> Thanks again everyone. Even though so far all I seem
> to have managed is start a rather large argument and
> just barely got the pronunciation for a name I would
> like. As well as be insulted, called a hick, and had
> implied that I oughta know some other language just
> because I live in America. Well guess what people.
> America's official language is English. I live in the
> Northeast and that's all they teach up here. We aren't
> taught Spanish and we aren't taught German. We don't
> learn a pile of languages that no one in the area
> speaks. I myself am one of the few people who doesn't
> work in a wire mill. I may not be the most educated
> bloke on the block but I know enough to know I ain't
> gonna find out what I need here. Thanks again though.
> Snaebjorn Haakonsson

1) Argument is the spice of life. Try college.

2) Sorry if you felt insulted. It was not the intention, here.

3) You're the one who called yourself a hick first. I can forward the
email you wrote, if there's any doubt.

4) Everyone should learn a second language, at least! America is the
only place where speaking a language other than what the natives speak
is an issue. When you go to a foreign country, you learn their language
in order to interact with them. Foreign languages are taught as part of
compulsory education in all developed countries, including the US of A.
There is no excuse for being unable to communicate.

5) English has rules that allow for clear, concise, and complete
communication of thoughts and ideas, in most cases. Learning a foreign
language nails home these rules and improves your ability to communicate
in your own language. I'm a white guy from Boston with a thick
South-Boston-area accent. I come from a poor neighborhood. I speak four
languages as a result: Spanish, English, French, and Old Norse. The Old
Norse is due in large part to my study of swordsmanship, as I have a
sword manual from the Danish Royal Library, which a friend sent me.

6) If you are unwilling to take a little criticism, then it's your loss,
not ours.

Hope this clears things up nicely.

-Ragin