Originally Posted By disneyhabit It drives me crazy to that the English language is being put second not just at WDW but all over America. If Disney does not change that soon they will have a few less customers because people I talk with agree that Disney is getting to be non-American.
Originally Posted By Labuda ^^^ I just love it when the first post a person ever makes on LP is like this one. Me, myself, and I still have no issues with Spanish language announcements at WDW. And, I'd bet Spanish was cpoken here in the US LONG before English ever was, so people b&m'ing that Spanish isn't native here - I still say it's more native than English. English just happens to be much more common here in the US. As for Disney getting to be non-American - it's an American company with global reach. If they want to become even more global, good for them, and good for those of us who are stockholders.
Originally Posted By avromark ^^^ The point I was making was when one language is put on a priority over that of the majority, but not other minority langauges. Here if you know French you make more, but you could know German, Tamal, Arabic and Yiddish and you wouldn't make more money at a civil service job. A person who lets say has 5 years experience would have less priority over a slightly under qualified person who spoke French. For me that's when it's going to far. The sad thing for me is that if they have to extend a safety spiel regardless of language.
Originally Posted By disneyhabit Yes this is the first post and when you are passionate about a topic you want to respond. WDW is in America and regardless of the language that was once upon a time ago, I just think that since the majority of the people that go to WDW understand the English language and therefore it should be spoken first before any other language. Why is Spanish only spoken when there are Chinese, French, Germans, Italians and other nationalities attending the parks, maybe WDW should accommodate everyone.
Originally Posted By avromark In todays world it's too bad they couldn't just give everyone a Bluetooth headphone who doesn't speak English so they could listen to announcements etc in their language of choice. Or they could teach everyone Esperanto.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey I still don't understand what the big deal is. So what if the Spanish announcement is made first? Why does make Disney "un-American"? It used to be common practice that people made sure their guests were accomodated before themselves. Since foreigners are guests in our country, I see nothing wrong with Spanish being spoken first.
Originally Posted By Labuda "Why is Spanish only spoken when there are Chinese, French, Germans, Italians and other nationalities attending the parks, maybe WDW should accommodate everyone." So how is that American whereas having only English and Spanish is not? Or is it American if you have English, then a plethora of other languages, but not if you have another common language, English, and the a plethora of others?
Originally Posted By fkurucz >>"Why is Spanish only spoken when there are Chinese, French, Germans, Italians and other nationalities attending the parks, maybe WDW should accommodate everyone."<< Because, whether we like it not, we are becoming a hispanic nation. Hispanics have overtaken blacks as the largest minority in the country, and if the current trends continue, will eventually become the majority. There is also talk of creating a North American Union (a la European Union) initially consisting of the US, Canada and Mexico. If such a union ever sees the light of day, there is no doubt that Spanish will be one of the official languages of said Union.
Originally Posted By gaston lives Man, I wouldn't even be able to move to Canada to avoid speaking Spanish! Well, might as well move to Wales so I can speak old Celtic!
Originally Posted By Any Huis Wow, lots of unbelievable comments! 1. Hispanics have a LONG way from becoming the majority in the USA! Lily-whites still outnumber those "brown" people by almost 4-to-1. Does THAT make you feel better? 2. Even if this DOES become "a Hispanic nation", who cares? Are you afraid to actually be a minority? Caucasians live quite happily in Hawaii, where they are a minority. Also, in California, Caucasians are NOT the majority anymore. Only the bigots and Pat Buchanan care. 3. Again, who cares if you have to hear Spanish (first or last!) at WDW. As long as you hear your beloved English, be happy! 4. Do some travelling folks! Go to Europe and you hear all kinds of languages everywhere -- and no one gets upset when they hear another language. Goofy says "Gawrsh!!!"
Originally Posted By Labuda "Because, whether we like it not, we are becoming a hispanic nation. Hispanics have overtaken blacks as the largest minority in the country, and if the current trends continue, will eventually become the majority." I'm not sure if Hispanics are a majority in all of Texas, or even here in Austin, but in San Antonio, they've been the majority for at least half a decade now.
Originally Posted By fkurucz >>1. Hispanics have a LONG way from becoming the majority in the USA! Lily-whites still outnumber those "brown" people by almost 4-to-1. Does THAT make you feel better?<< I didn't say it was going to happen tommorow. >>2. Even if this DOES become "a Hispanic nation", who cares? Are you afraid to actually be a minority? << If La Raza is in charge, then yes I would be. And I am Hispanic.
Originally Posted By fkurucz >>I'm not sure if Hispanics are a majority in all of Texas, or even here in Austin, but in San Antonio, they've been the majority for at least half a decade now.<< I think that no single group is a 50%+ majority in Texas anymore (same for California).
Originally Posted By fkurucz ^^According to Wikipedia: "In August 2005, it was announced by the United States Census that Texas has become the fourth minority-majority state in the nation (after Hawaii, New Mexico, and California). According to the Texas state Data Center, if current trends continue, Hispanics will become a majority in the state by 2030."
Originally Posted By fkurucz Aslo from wiki: "According to the 2005 US Census Bureau California's population is 60.9% White American, 6.1% Black or African American, 12.4% Asian American, 16.4% some other race, 0.7% American Indian, 3.1% mixed race. 35.5% are Hispanic or Latino (of any race). 39.3% of the population are non-Hispanic whites."
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 English should not be the official language of America. That admits the possibility of other languages. English should be the ONLY language in America. If we do announcements at Disney in Spanish, will the visitors from Asia, India etc expect equal rights too? There won't be any time for the shows. The monorail could make the loop 3 times before the announcement finished in all the languages.
Originally Posted By gaston lives don't those equal rights apply only to citizens of the country? How can you give rights to non-citizens? I mean, they deserve the same rights LEGALLY as others while on our soil, but that doesnt' mean we have to cater to their demands while they're here.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo They are not rights, they are courtesy. WDW is a tourist destination, and I bet the largest use language there is Spanish after english. Therefore I fully endorse this. Along with French and English being the official languages of DLP, Cantonese, Mandarin and english for HKDL, and Japanese and English at TDL. It makes sense. Bye, a bientot, auf weidersehen, hasta luego, ciao, salaam alikam, salute, aloha Now folks, take a ride on It's a Small World and relax.
