Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

[OogieBoogie]

For anyone who feels that we aren't accomodating enough for non-english speakers:

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Oct 5, 2006 (AP)— Malaysia will levy fines on those incorrectly using the national language, and will set up a specialized division to weed out offenders who mix Malay with English, news reports said Thursday.
Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Rais Yatim said fines of up to 1,000 ringgit ($271) can be imposed on displays with any wrong or mutated form of Malay, the Star newspaper reported.
The move was to ensure "the national language was not sidelined in any way," Rais said, according to The Star.

the full story can be found at: http://abcnews.go.com/International/...ory?id=2530354

[Nanaimobar]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

I can't imagine what would happen if you tried to pass that law in Quebec - home of Franglais!

[Loomis]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

It does seem like an odd law on the surface, but then again, one of the most unique things a culture can have is their language. Even the English used in the US, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia all differs from one another in slight ways, giving us all our own national identities.

The protection of a language is more than just making sure people speak the right way - it is about protecting a national culture and identity. Here it very much seems to be about not-diluting the language.

However, these things are often organic. In an increasingly globalised world, how do you stop it? I was just in Hong Kong, where there are several official native languages, many of which can be used interchangably. Also, have you ever watched an Indian soap opera? They can go from Hindi, to Punjabi to English all in the span of one sentence!

[figment1986]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

note to self, dont go to Malaysia...

interesting... and to think, America used to not care.. and now cares as well... slowly...

[barfownz]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

Yes, Make it a crime!

Why do they speak spanish in America! This is AM-ER-I-CA!

[frecky]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

Yes, Make it a crime!

Why do they speak spanish in America! This is AM-ER-I-CA!

Oh......my.

[OogieBoogie]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

Yes, Make it a crime!

Why do they speak spanish in America! This is AM-ER-I-CA!

You do realize that they were speaking spanish in america long before the English were here, right?

[Soulquarian]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

Countdown to DB lounge in...

[barfownz]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

You do realize that they were speaking spanish in america long before the English were here, right?

We own this place now, not them.

[OogieBoogie]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

and on that note boys and girls, I would like to talk to you about the importance of birth control....

[frecky]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

*sighs*

[Tui]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

We own this place now, not them.

I'm sorry, but you are sick person.

[frecky]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

Barf, I suggest you pay attention in school if you are in school. If not, spend some time away from the computer and watch the news or maybe read the newspaper. Go to the library and check out a book on the history of the US maybe. Just, read a bit more and learn before you post things like you just did.

[Soulquarian]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

I don't think we should "force" people to speak English, but at the same time, we shouldn't be forced to speak specifically spanish...

Which is exactly what's going on to Kaiser Permanente employees...

[dramaqueen]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

We own this place now, not them.

:botox:

Our school system has failed us.

[Tui]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

Barf, I suggest you pay attention in school if you are in school. If not, spend some time away from the computer and watch the news or maybe read the newspaper. Go to the library and check out a book on the history of the US maybe. Just, read a bit more and learn before you post things like you just did.

:botox:

Our school system has failed us.

Agreed.

[tbminnie]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

So much for embracing each other's differences.

[alphabassetgrrl]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

You do realize that they were speaking spanish in america long before the English were here, right?

And French, and Portugese, and Algonquin, and Navajo, and what else? I forget all the countries that had colonies here.

[figment1986]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

Barf, I suggest you pay attention in school if you are in school. If not, spend some time away from the computer and watch the news or maybe read the newspaper. Go to the library and check out a book on the history of the US maybe. Just, read a bit more and learn before you post things like you just did.

hmm... i thought that teachnically the chineese were here first.. that or vikings... i forget...

[ecdlanddude]

Re: Should speaking a foreign language be a crime?

No.