[Vision2020] Words Bring Pause

[Saundra Lund]

Hi Dan,

I think I get your point . . . in spite of it being an hour earlier  :-)

To me, I see a huge difference between politeness and using the teeth of the
law.  In a perfect world, I do think it would be not only polite but also
wise to learn the common language before taking up residence in another
country.

However, this isn't a perfect world, and whether or not one has such an
opportunity depends on too many factors to list.  For instance, if I'm
fleeing my home country because a government Death Squad is looking for me,
I hope you'd be willing to cut me some slack.

Similarly, I hope you're not saying that only those who are of a certain
economic and/or educational status with the opportunity to learn English in
advance are welcome here!



Saundra Lund
Moscow, ID

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do
nothing.
- Edmund Burke

***** Original material contained herein is Copyright 2006 through life plus
70 years, Saundra Lund.  Do not copy, forward, excerpt, or reproduce outside
the Vision 2020 forum without the express written permission of the
author.*****


-----Original Message-----
From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
On Behalf Of Dan Carscallen
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 6:35 AM
To: 'Tom Hansen'; 'Sue Hovey'; 'Ralph Nielsen'; 'Vision 2020'
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Words Bring Pause

All this talk of official languages brought questions to my mind . . .

If I were to travel to another country, would it not be polite of me to
learn their language before I go?  And if I was to move to such a
country, would it not behoove me to learn the language spoken by the
majority?  Or should I emigrate to said country and get all up in arms
about how this country should not only allow me to speak my language,
but they should also accommodate me and my language usage by having
necessary forms printed in my language to make my life easier?

It just seems a double standard:  "I'll honor your stuff, but we'll
accommodate you with our stuff."

I hope I'm getting my point across.  It seems an hour earlier than
normal this morning for some reason . . .

DC