Press 1 for English, para Español oprima 2.

[Ivan The Awesome]

I'd like to know why it bothers some people to press a number.

Does it bother any of you to? Should it matter?

I had a discussion with a lady on FB today about how she wants the official language of the USA to be English. I told her that it already is. She asked, if it is, why do I have to press 1 to access it?

I stopped and thought about this for a while. I understand this is her opinion but it's really a petty argument. She continues to tell me that she has to do that at the store, atm, bank, etc etc.

I just keep thinking to myself. Why is this such a bother? I mean really is it that hard to press a number? Does it take that much effort to choose which language to be serviced in? I just don't get it. Why is it that much of a problem?

I continued to ask her if she called 911 what language they would use, she said English. I asked her what channels she watches, what programs she views, are they in Spanish or any other language? She said no. When she has to go to the hospital does she have to tell the nurses or doctors what's wrong with her or whomever in another language? She said no again.

Then what's the problem with pressing 1 when you're calling a business? They have to cater to all demographics. Including Non-English speaking customers. It's smart business. The more clients you have or can achieve to obtain by supplying a simple service as to speak their language to better serve them, is a smart business move. If I can understand you better in your own language, Chances of getting your business will be duplicated.

She then tells me that if you come to America you should know the language.

I agree. I say that the minimum should be 75% of the language. That way you can communicate efficiently given the chance you cannot be helped in your native language.

I told her that the official language for Business is English. People that are not English speakers are, for lack of a better term, forced to learn English if they go into a field or trade of business.

I just don't understand the logic behind "Make English the official language of the USA.", The concept escapes me. It really does...

[sharkkiller]

Speaking as someone who lives in another country, I am glad for the options for languages. If I could not choose the English option, it would make my life a lot more difficult.

My problem is when people come to another country, and expect the people who live there to cater to them, whether it is language or customs or anything.

[nickzz]

she's stupid. stop wasting your time with her.

[Ivan The Awesome]

she's stupid. stop wasting your time with her.

Yeah, you're right, I just had some spare time and I felt the need to inform her that English is the official language, regardless of whatever inconvenience she's endured.

[Floppin]

Yeah, you're right, I just had some spare time and I felt the need to inform her that English is the official language, regardless of whatever inconvenience she's endured.

Well technically you're wrong. The US has no "official" language. English is the most spoken language, but our country has no recognized "official" language.

[Bronn]

if it were me I would just start arguing in Spanish until she unfriended me or gave up

[Floppin]

For what it's worth, people who bitch about people speaking other languages, and how it supposedly inconveniences their lives and/or upsets them, are doing nothing more than letting their inner racist come out to play.

[Ivan The Awesome]

Well technically you're wrong. The US has no "official" language. English is the most spoken language, but our country has no recognized "official" language.

Technically you're wrong too. Since English is the official Language of 28 states out of 50. Not including the territories of course, like Puerto Rico and so on.

NC and SC have English as their official language. NY, not so much. It's a weird subject. But really , It's not hard to press 1.

[Floppin]

Well you said it was the official language of the US, of which there is none. You didn't say anything about states. So no, technically, I wasn't wrong and you were, but I digress.

I had a discussion with a lady on FB today about how she wants the official language of the USA to be English. I told her that it already is.

[Ivan The Awesome]

Well you said it was the official language of the US, of which there is none. You didn't say anything about states. So no, technically, I wasn't wrong and you were, but I digress.

Ah yes, well I was mainly going under the assumption that wherever you go or call or talk to someone, they speak English in the states. 80% of America does, that's a very high number to not think that English is not the official language. Again, technicalities. Just depends on which state you're in. In her case, she is in SC.

[KillerKat]

You watched Louis CK didn't you?

[SCP]

"Press uno for one or dos for two"

That should really piss her off.

[SCP]

I lived in Miami for 5 years and was in outside sales in the construction industry. I was known as the Gordo Gringo. I always push one but I never give a sh*t. Maybe if they made me spell out ONE with the keypad I'd be like "what the F Latinos" but that's cause I'm lazy not racist. In general, if you give me a phone number that includes figuring out how to dial a word using the numbeed keypad, i will never call it. Como estas. Toca la guitara.

[Ivan The Awesome]

You watched Louis CK didn't you?

I was oblivious to who he was until i googled him. The dude is hilarious.