Why are asians so noisy?

[ALVAREZ6]

We're at a HUGE geographic disadvantage when it comes to the rest of the world linguistically. In Europe you are neighbors with other countries that speak a variety of different languages. Here the majority of people haven't spoken any other language than English for generations.

People in Texas, Arizona, California, etc. are starting to pick up spanish because of an influx of mexicans in the south and that will happen more and more with time. But it just hasn't been of any use to learn anything other than english here because that's the only language most people speak.

My friends little nieces and nephews are already pretty damn good at spanish because they've been growing up with more people that speak the language. Schools (in my experience) have done just a horrific job at trying to teach students foreign languages.

How about South/Central America, where essentially only Spanish is spoken at large with the exception of Portuguese in Brazil? (not referring to Caribbean countries) Because all of my cousins can speak English pretty damn respectably, and they've all lived in Argentina their entire lives.

[The Reckoning]

The age at which it'd be appropriate to start learning in order to actually become fluent is at an age where most kids would never be interested to do it on their own accord, or by choice. It has to be a requirement in school for it to work.

Would be cool if it could be implemented where the parents can decide on it...it may be too far to require all kids to learn a foreign language, but if the parents force them to do it at a public school, different story.

i tell my dad all the time i wish he wouldve enrolled me in foreign language courses at a young age, but he always says there was nothing available. i tell my brothers constantly about enrolling my nieces and nephews in foreign language courses. actually, i wouldve had a chance to learn spanish because our neighbor volunteered to teach me because she was from colombia...but then she moved . i really wanted to learn it so i could speak to her son in their language too.

young kids love to learn about stuff like that, believe it or not - especially when they can use it when playing with other kids.

its when they get into junior high that they dont give a damn.

[ALVAREZ6]

It comes off even worse when it's in a language that's not understandable by anyone else. If you're unaware of what someone is saying, you're going to be curious as to what they're saying.

Why? Just don't worry about it..ignorance is bliss.

If im in line at a store with my family with other people around and we're all speaking in Spanish, what's the problem? How's it much different from someone speaking on the phone...they're doing it in the language they're more comfortable in, perhaps the only language the person they're talking to can speak decently or period. I understand it can be annoying, but it also doesn't make much sense. They're probably not speaking about you at all, it doesn't even matter.

Lol "certain groups of black people"

Just felt as though I had to because I'm aware that I can come off as racist at times if people don't understand the context.

[ALVAREZ6]

i tell my dad all the time i wish he wouldve enrolled me in foreign language courses at a young age, but he always says there was nothing available. i tell my brothers constantly about enrolling my nieces and nephews in foreign language courses. actually, i wouldve had a chance to learn spanish because our neighbor volunteered to teach me because she was from colombia...but then she moved . i really wanted to learn it so i could speak to her son in their language too.

young kids love to learn about stuff like that, believe it or not - especially when they can use it when playing with other kids.

its when they get into junior high that they dont give a damn.

Perhaps you have a point, kids can be more willing to learn new crap like that but at the same time if they are faced with a choice:

Take this language course or classes, completely optional, or don't, either way, whatever is fine...I'm not sure most choose to learn a new language. I guess it all depends on many variables, where they live, how they were brought up, etc.

[Sisk]

How about South/Central America, where essentially only Spanish is spoken at large with the exception of Portuguese in Brazil? (not referring to Caribbean countries) Because all of my cousins can speak English pretty damn respectably, and they've all lived in Argentina their entire lives.

Right. But English is a focus there because it is the language of international business. It's almost a necessity. You have cousin's that can speak English, as you do and many more of your family members in Argentina do. For someone like me, not one person in my whole extended family speaks anything but English. This is the case with the majority of Americans. We just haven't had the need to learn another language because no one else does. However, like I said about Spanish, it's becoming used much more often and people are needing to learn it now. If you know Spanish here and need a job in retail, for instance, you're pretty much a shoe-in.

[ALVAREZ6]

The Reckoning:

If you truly want to learn a new language, I'm not so sure your window has passed. From experience posting here you seem like a bright dude and clearly you have strong interest, you'd be the type that would be dedicated and determined once you make this type of decision...I think it's worth a shot.

English, as I'm sure you're aware, is a pretty damn complex language with all of its irregular and special cases. Spanish might be the type of language you could be able to pick up with the proper amount of time and practice. What year are you in college? Once you have a job and your schedule becomes more fixed, you might be able to fit in regular learning time in the evenings, and it might not be the most desirable thing but it could work. I say go for it.

I've pretty much decided I'm going to try to learn at least another language, either Italian or Portuguese most likely, since they're similar to Spanish and they'd be relatively easy to pick up. I took 5 years total of French, but I simply have little desire to continue with it despite it being another Romanic language. I simply dislike the language. It's a tough decision because I'd already have a nice head start, still remember a decent amount and it would come back easily probably. And it has way more applicability, since French is spoken way more around the world than Portuguese and Italian...but I simply don't enjoy it.

[Sisk]

Why? Just don't worry about it..ignorance is bliss.

If im in line at a store with my family with other people around and we're all speaking in Spanish, what's the problem? How's it much different from someone speaking on the phone...they're doing it in the language they're more comfortable in, perhaps the only language the person they're talking to can speak decently or period. I understand it can be annoying, but it also doesn't make much sense. They're probably not speaking about you at all, it doesn't even matter.

I guess I'd say that it's not so much that she's speaking another language as it is that she's SCREAMING on the phone in another language. Sure, it pisses me off that I don't know WTF she's saying but the fact that I'm losing my hearing over it makes it even more frustrating.

Wait until you're at your damn car to talk. It's common decency here, at least.

As the reckoning implied earlier - be aware of the culture and try to respect it as much as possible. If I'm in another person's house that's foreign I'll try to learn what their cultures hold in high regard and conform to that out of respect. My exes family were all migrants from Poland so I made sure I didn't do anything that was disrespectful to their culture, especially at their house, because that's the polite way to act.

[The Reckoning]

If im in line at a store with my family with other people around and we're all speaking in Spanish, what's the problem? How's it much different from someone speaking on the phone...they're doing it in the language they're more comfortable in, perhaps the only language the person they're talking to can speak decently or period.

see i knew this point would be brought up, which is why i addressed it earlier. however, i feel like it's a completely different situation in an academic context. if youre at a university in the US to take courses in English, shouldnt it make sense to practice it while youre outside of class?

all the examples i use are primarily college settings - the elevators in the dorm, classrooms, parties (that pisses me off the most because its a purposely drawn language and social barrier), computer labs, in that dumb 's example the library. they obviously know english if they are studying at the university, so they should practice it all they can. or else, theyll regret it when their education is finished.

i dont care if its a family matter or someone isnt able to communicate efficiently in english. i also dont care about a private setting. it's a country of free speech, and there is no official language.

however, in a context like academia that embraces the idea of free flowing information and social interaction, it's impractical.

[ALVAREZ6]

Right. But English is a focus there because it is the language of international business. It's almost a necessity. You have cousin's that can speak English, as you do and many more of your family members in Argentina do. For someone like me, not one person in my whole extended family speaks anything but English. This is the case with the majority of Americans. We just haven't had the need to learn another language because no one else does. However, like I said about Spanish, it's becoming used much more often and people are needing to learn it now. If you know Spanish here and need a job in retail, for instance, you're pretty much a shoe-in.

True.

The U.S. however should change, as you seem to acknowledge. I'm afraid if certain things don't change, we'll never reach the same standard of living as a country that was at its peak. Maybe it wouldn't have much effect in standard of living, I haven't given it much thought, but there's still ways in which this country limits its potential. With so many years of dominating the globe in all areas, people naturally become complacent.

[ALVAREZ6]

see i knew this point would be brought up, which is why i addressed it earlier. however, i feel like it's a completely different situation in an academic context. if youre at a university in the US to take courses in English, shouldnt it make sense to practice it while youre outside of class?

all the examples i use are primarily college settings - the elevators in the dorm, classrooms, parties (that pisses me off the most because its a purposely drawn language and social barrier), computer labs, in that dumb 's example the library. they obviously know english if they are studying at the university, so they should practice it all they can. or else, theyll regret it when their education is finished.

i dont give a damn if its a family matter or someone isnt able to communicate efficiently in english. i also dont care about a private setting. it's a country of free speech, and there is no official language. however, in a context that embraces the idea of free flowing information and social interaction, it's insulting and impractical.

OK, well strictly in this sense I definitely agree and see your point. DEFINITELY applies at my school...it's largely white, the asians stick with the asians, blacks (essentially the athletes, lol) stick with the blacks, and that's just how it is.

I think some of it is a lot of these foreign students come from such rich families that they do not give a . Doesn't apply to all, but a lot of them have the rich prick mentality and think all is well, spend daddy's money, my life will be fine. I had 2 rich suitemates my freshman year, one from Turkey who only hung out with Turkish kids, one from India who only hung/still hangs with Indian kids...it's just stupid. I'm not necessarily calling them dumb because they were both very good at English and had learned their whole life. I don't know...I'm rambling at this point and losing focus.

Maybe the Asian students who aren't very good at English are more timid by nature? I often have a decent amount of Chinese students in my business classes, and they all seem very shy, not only with speaking but also in body language.

[Sisk]

all the examples i use are primarily college settings - the elevators in the dorm, classrooms, parties (that pisses me off the most because its a purposely drawn language and social barrier), computer labs, in that dumb 's example the library.

I should've said this as well in that I'm thinking of a college setting (mostly) as well.

True.

The U.S. however should change, as you seem to acknowledge. I'm afraid if certain things don't change, we'll never reach the same standard of living as a country that was at its peak. Maybe it wouldn't have much effect in standard of living, I haven't given it much thought, but there's still ways in which this country limits its potential. With so many years of dominating the globe in all areas, people naturally become complacent.

Of course, and we will change. It's going to be rough for the first couple generations because of natural resistance to any type of change. English speakers are going to be pissed with Spanish coming into play for a variety of reasons. Not just because of the "damn mexicans" aspect, but of the economic impact it could have on them (not knowing spanish could = losing their job) and the social aspect of it. There are a variety of reasons that the integration of Spanish in America will face resistance but eventually it's just going to have be accepted. , the assumption is that the whites are the ones most upset with Spanish, but it seems like the Mexicans I know get more pissed about it than I do.

[The Reckoning]

The Reckoning:

If you truly want to learn a new language, I'm not so sure your window has passed. From experience posting here you seem like a bright dude and clearly you have strong interest, you'd be the type that would be dedicated and determined once you make this type of decision...I think it's worth a shot.

English, as I'm sure you're aware, is a pretty damn complex language with all of its irregular and special cases. Spanish might be the type of language you could be able to pick up with the proper amount of time and practice. What year are you in college? Once you have a job and your schedule becomes more fixed, you might be able to fit in regular learning time in the evenings, and it might not be the most desirable thing but it could work. I say go for it.

I've pretty much decided I'm going to try to learn at least another language, either Italian or Portuguese most likely, since they're similar to Spanish and they'd be relatively easy to pick up. I took 5 years total of French, but I simply have little desire to continue with it despite it being another Romanic language. I simply dislike the language. It's a tough decision because I'd already have a nice head start, still remember a decent amount and it would come back easily probably. And it has way more applicability, since French is spoken way more around the world than Portuguese and Italian...but I simply don't enjoy it.

actually im traveling to portugal this summer for study abroad and doing work study. if they like me over there, i might start looking into portuguese, which i have no problem with, but it does have a load of accent marks. italian is pretty much the spanish language's twin.

i graduate next may, and ill probably go on to grad school (applying to A&M, surprise surprise). in grad school ill most likely have more resources to learn another language and chances for language application. ill probably choose whatever is most in line with my research interests. it sucks, though, because itll be difficult to shake my english stream of consciousness.

and like i said earlier about my korean friend, he's at a university in the US right now and his english has actually gotten worse. its because he only hangs out in a korean community, and he told me he's barely spoken english at all. his personality has dulled in the process...he cant crack funny ass jokes on the spot anymore because he cant think as quickly in english.

[ALVAREZ6]

actually im traveling to portugal this summer for study abroad and doing work study. if they like me over there, i might start looking into portuguese, which i have no problem with, but it does have a load of accent marks. italian is pretty much the spanish language's twin.

i graduate next may, and ill probably go on to grad school (applying to A&M, surprise surprise). in grad school ill most likely have more resources to learn another language and chances for language application. ill probably choose whatever is most in line with my research interests. it sucks, though, because itll be difficult to shake my english stream of consciousness.

That's awesome, are you gonna be in Lisbon? I've heard Portugal is a sweet place.

You say Italian is pretty much Spanish's twin, but I consider Portuguese to be right there. In fact, I've heard Portuguese soccer players speak in interviews and I could actually understand a surprising amount. I've been more into foreign films lately, and when I listen to Italian, I often have a harder time putting together the phrases on the spot. A lot of single words sound similar, but I think the three languages are pretty damn similar.

Italian will probably be the language I decide to attempt to learn, simply because I like the way it sounds. And maybe because nearly half of my ancestry can be traced to Italy, a couple cousins have dual citizenship with Italy, etc. I just wish it had more applicability


BTW, what are you going to grad school for? I also graduate next may.

[Sisk]

i graduate next may, and ill probably go on to grad school (applying to A&M, surprise surprise)

Haha. Thanks and gig 'em, right?

What are you going to study?

[DMX7]

Sarah Palin has issued a response via Twitter:

@Alexandra Wallace: "You've got a point."

[The Reckoning]

to me italian is exactly like spanish but with a longer drawl on pronunciation.

ill shoot yall a pm saying what im really studying


pftt, hook 'em all the way. ill be wearing my ring proudly through grad school. im planning to go to 4th street and dunk my ring in a bigass glass of absinthe. taking the t-sip to the max.

[The Reckoning]

That's awesome, are you gonna be in Lisbon? I've heard Portugal is a sweet place.

ill be near Porto for a month and Lisbon for a few weeks after that.

i want to make most out of my time in Europe, but i have no idea what to do outside of Portugal - especially since im traveling alone.

[Harlem Preach]

looks like the death threats are in. she cant even take her finals:

http://www.dailybruin.com/index.php/...nt_responses_c

[Sisk]

looks like the death threats are in. she cant even take her finals:

http://www.dailybruin.com/index.php/...nt_responses_c

I wonder what % of death threats actually occur.

.000000000000000000000000000000000000001%? Maybe?

pftt, hook 'em all the way. ill be wearing my ring proudly through grad school. im planning to go to 4th street and dunk my ring in a bigass glass of absinthe. taking the t-sip to the max.

That sounds terrible.

[The Reckoning]

That sounds terrible.

like chugging a pitcher of bud light?

[pawe]

Once you get your credentials, you can drink whatever the heck you want!

[pawe]

So asian gangs put a hit out on her now? People are overly sensitive.
"ooohh ching chong ling long ting tong"
translation: "oh im in the library, cant talk, bye"

[Cry Havoc]

[LnGrrrR]

I like that early on she gives UCLA permission to accept Asian students.

A correction: not just Asian students, but HORDES of Asian students. They must be charging over the hills on horseback, swords-a-swinging.

[The Gemini Method]

A correction: not just Asian students, but HORDES of Asian students. They must be charging over the hills on horseback, swords-a-swinging.

Genghis and Kublai Kahn would've been proud of such a moment. Though, I'm sure they'd rather of been Trojans and not Bruins...