Did you know that schools are starting to make learning another language a requirement? That is happening in America. The main language on American soil is English. Now, for many students, it is impossible to graduate without that second language under their belt.

America was born of immigrants. People from various countries came to the North American continent in search of something that had been an illusion in their world. Freedom. Many of these peoples spoke different dialects: English, Irish, Italian, French, Spanish, even languages from Africa and Asia. Yet, after two hundred years, the main language is still English.

In the past, it seemed to be a given that a person who wanted to live in America would learn the language. There were never complaints before. Yeah, there were sects in the larger cities where “home” languages were still spoken. Places like China-Town still exist in many larger cities. If you stand on the sidewalk and listen you, can hear people talking in Chinese and in English. Usually the English is rough around the edges and touched with a charming accent.

It has long been the system of many countries in the world. Americans cannot go to France without learning the French language. It is the same in every other country, except America. It is essential to learn the language of another country because that is what the people in that country speaks. If you cannot ask for directions, then you get lost and possibly get hurt. It happens more often with travelers who are too curious. They wander from the beaten path, where they are more likely to meet someone who speaks their home language.

In these other countries, learning another language is optional. They do not force their students to learn any language but their own.

It is assumed in other countries, that if a person chooses to live there, then they should accept the consequences. Learning the language is part of the consequence. It is doubtful that you would find a good job without being able to speak the language. Most likely, you would end up being jerked around and then paid lower wages just because you do not understand.

People move to America, legally and illegally, in the hopes of freedom. They make that choice. The people who live in the country do not. Most of the Americans have no say in the matter at all about who comes to live next door. So why are newcomers making no effort to learn English?

Why should Americans have to conform to someone who chose to move next door? They made the choice to move to America. They should be prepared for the consequences, just like in any other country. Those consequences mean learning the native tongue!