Posted on 06/14/2005 8:01:51 AM PDT by Happy Valley Dude
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, an English speaking country, has decided to that all of its citizens will speak Spanish by the year 2020. The idea is that if Trinidad is more linguistically compatible with Latin America there will be an increase in trade. Another alleged benefit is the possibility of luring the headquarters of the Free Trade Area of the Americas.
The problem is that it is difficult for adults to learn a new language. Children, whose brains are still developing, can quickly are easily trained in foreign languages. But adults have a lot more trouble, and most that are able to master the grammar still have difficult to understand languages. Another problem is that many people who have lived in the same place all of their lives resent having to learn a new language. In 1980 Dade County (now Miami-Dade County) voters approved a referendum forbidding the county form conducting business in any language other than English. Anyone who has visited Miami recently can see how well that has worked.
(Excerpt) Read more at miamicatfish.blogspot.com ...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.