Best Languages in the Region (General discussion) Language Learning Forum

Best Languages in the Region
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Language Learning Forum : General discussion

43 messages over 6 pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Dark_Sunshine
Diglot
Senior Member
United Kingdom
Joined 5771 days ago
340 posts - 357 votes

Speaks: English*, French

Message 41 of 43

12 May 2009 at 12:25pm | IP Logged

cordelia0507 wrote:

I agree with Jiwon; Immigrants (includes temporary expats) have an obligation to try to learn the language asap. Ideally they should know the basics before moving, if not they need to make it a priority after arriving in the new country.

I have no sympathy (well very little) for people who stay in a country for more than a year without learning how to participate in a basic everyday conversation.

I think it's really silly when I walk into public service buildings in the EU and find detailed information in misc. Indian languages, Arabic, Farsi and what not. The other day my local council sent me EU parliament voting info in misc. non European languages. Presumably it's aimed at EU citizens entitled to vote but not able to speak an EU language.

I'd like to see the money spent at these excessive translations on improving quality of language teaching in schools or adult language education for immigrants if they need it.

If you're a Londoner then you should know that a high proportion of the immigrants who are unable to speak English are married women who are often prevented, either by their husbands or just cultural disapproval, from getting any sort of education or even just socialising outside of the home and immediate immigrant community. We would be making them even more disenfranchised if we didn't provide basic government and health information in a language they can understand. And I very much doubt that these translations are very expensive- they are probably recycled year after year.

I personally think there should be more English classes available that would meet certain cultural needs- such as female-only courses, taught by female teachers based in the relevant community, so that more of these women would be able to participate.

Edited by Dark_Sunshine on 12 May 2009 at 12:28pm
1 person has voted this message useful

cordelia0507
Senior Member
United Kingdom
Joined 5844 days ago
1473 posts - 2176 votes

Speaks: Swedish*
Studies: German, Russian

Message 42 of 43

12 May 2009 at 12:38pm | IP Logged

Yeah, I have to agree with you about these women. Although the situation irritates me, I really feel for them.

I see such women in the Brick Lane area near my office sometimes. All covered up und completely un-integrated... I'd like to see something done about their situation, but I don't know what the state can do without seriously imposing itself into peoples private lives where it's probably not welcome (by the head of the house..)

Female-only classes is a splendid idea. Even women who are not religious moslems may appreciate an all-ladies environment. I read in a Swedish paper that this approach attracted quite a lot of women that they struggled to reach previously.
1 person has voted this message useful

Dark_Sunshine
Diglot
Senior Member
United Kingdom
Joined 5771 days ago
340 posts - 357 votes

Speaks: English*, French

Message 43 of 43

12 May 2009 at 12:46pm | IP Logged

There are a few muslim feminist groups that work on these issues- but they just don't have enough resources or support to take on such an almighty task.

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