Discrimination or a victory for common sense?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....ory-common-sense.html

[joeluke]

Several individuals where I work have a very limited English vocabulary, it's so frustrating when trying to explain things to them, their standard answer to most questions is 'yes'

If I moved to a foreign country I'd make the effort to learn the language otherwise how can people expect to get on?

[dundurn]

I think it's only sensible to make yourself intelligible to the people you live among. You wouldn't believe the trouble I went to when I came down from Scotland in 1972!

[utepoot]

Common sense! If you move to a country whose language you can't speak, you SHOULD be required to learn that language. If you don't, you're segregating yourself. I've moved to the UK from the USA, luckily we speak the same language, but I've had to learn all the different terms and slang that are different here than in the US, which I was excited and glad to do. I'll always have my own accent, but I definitely speak in such a way that people here know what I'm on about!

[cathfromsaron]

and hopefully the end of translators at NHS and court's expense??

[rov1100]

There was a case in the news this week where 75% of the children at one school are not fluent in English because another language is spoken at home. You get the feeling that although this ruling is sensible it appears that we are shutting the gate after the horse has bolted.

[askyourgran]

Common sense in the main. I would expect to be able to speak the language or at least make it my intention to learn the language if it was the intention to live in another country permanently. Also to observe and respect the laws and the habits of that particular country.

[birdie1971]

I think it can only be a good thing. It benefits everyone but it is especially of benefit to the individual. If you can't speak the native tongue of the country you're living in, you've serious compromised your opportunities to jobs and services.

I've read of numerous immigrants who don't speak English who have been abused by their English speaking spouse, family members, employers, etc. Because they cannot communicate in English, they have found it almost impossible to find help and advice.

This also goes for all English speaking people who move to any country where English isn't the official language. I believe that any ex-pat who simply assumes that the citizens of their host country will all speak English is naïve and disrespectful. If you're going to settle in a country then you should always learn the lingo as a mark of respect to your hosts and to make your own life easier.

[Lonnie]

I respect other peoples views, but my own view is that if a person chooses to live in a 'foreign' land as a resident. then that person should, out of courtesy to his/her hosts,make an effort to speak that nations language, not to do so displays an ignorance, and a view that the host people should speak their language.

[joggerjayne]

Sounds like the Mail putting a bit of a "slant" on the case.

As pa_ul first pointed out, it was the applicant's inability to get a job which led to the refusal of permission.

His inability to speak English did mean that he wouldn't easily find a job.

Mind you ...he could have looked for work as a mime act.

[anotheoldgit]

/// Sounds like the Mail putting a bit of a "slant" on the case. ///

http://www.guardian.c...k-english?INTCMP=SRCH

[anotheoldgit]

On the TV news last night, it showed Rashida Chapti, working in a factory on her sewing machine, It was interesting to note that all her fellow workers were also Asians.

Is there a bit of discrimination against whites, going off here?