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Subject: United Statesmen?
I have noticed that a lot of people refer to the citizens of the United States as "Americans". Since the name of the country is the "United States" of America, shouldn't they be referred to as United Statesmen, or United Statespeople?
I know it is probably a stupid question, and YES I was under the influence when the topic crossed my mind. But it occured to me that the US is the only country in America that I can think of that refer to themselves as Americans.
BTW, i'd just like to add that i'm not trying to mock anyone or insult anyone from the US.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
In Spanish, we call them "Stadounidenses" which literally means "Unitedstatespeople." We make the distinction. The only people who can call themselves after a continent are the Australians and the Antarcticans :P
edited because, obviously, I cannot spell in Spanish!
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Hooray for Australians and all those Penguinians in Antarctica then ! ;D
It's a cultural thing, Resin. Whilst you are techinically correct, the saying is now steeped in time.
If someone says to me American or America, I know they are referring to the USA.
FB :)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Actually, that Spanish word is "estadounidense."
Of course there is "Statesider" for American…
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
In South America and in the Caribbean, people who speak Spanish also call Americans "Americanos" or "Gringos". :)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
I don't think it is a stupid question. I have often thought about that myself. Canadians and Mexicans are also "Americans"-NORTH Americans to be exact. Also people from Chile, Argintina, etc. are also Americans but only SOUTH Americans. I have often thought that it is a bit arrogant that we refer to ourselves as Americans since there are many more Americans beside the ones presiding in the U.S. I do like your idea of "Statespeople" or how about U.S.ers? ;)
Cat
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
I see nothing wrong with calling myself an American. I do, afterall, live in the United States of America. While it is true that the people of Mexico, Canada, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, etc. all reside on the American continent, none of those countries have the word America in their names. Like Fuss said, when someone says "American" no one thinks reference is being made to a Panamanian.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
I see nothing wrong with calling myself an American. I do, afterall, live in the United States of America. While it is true that the people of Mexico, Canada, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, etc. all reside on the American continent, none of those countries have the word America in their names. Like Fuss said, when someone says "American" no one thinks reference is being made to a Panamanian.
End Quote
Well said, Lester
BTW...love the avatar. ;D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
I see nothing wrong with calling myself an American. I do, afterall, live in the United States of America. While it is true that the people of Mexico, Canada, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, etc. all reside on the American continent, none of those countries have the word America in their names. Like Fuss said, when someone says "American" no one thinks reference is being made to a Panamanian.
End Quote
Hi Wicked Lester, :)
Yes, u see nothing wrong with calling yourself "American" but
that could be because you were born in the USA n in there people conceptualized that an "american" is someone who lives in the United States of America. :)
But maybe u should consider that "the citizens of the USA" have sorta taken over that term of "America".:) Hey, I'm not judging if that is good or bad I'm just sayin how I see it as an outsider. And it is a reality that u have taken over the word...believ it or not...
And u know why people don't associate South American to the term Americans? Well, in my opinion:1) USA is a world superpower 2)South America isn't.
But, what I really don't understand is how come Canadians are kinda left out often when people refer to "Americans", ... Could it be coz most broadcasted polititians n other media people are from the USA???!!! So, they can afford creating a reality where America is just a bit of the continent, that small place between Canada and South America,
... but, then...if "America" is the USA and Canada n South America aren't, how do u place that USA-AMERICA on the map? ??? :) :D ;D
Delia
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
BTW...love the avatar. ;D
End Quote
Thanks!!!
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting: I do like your idea of "Statespeople" or how about U.S.ers? ;)
Cat
End Quote
Did you say USers, Cat ? :o :o :o
That wouldn't be a good rep to have ! :P
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
And u know why people don't associate South American to the term Americans? Well, in my opinion:1) USA is a world superpower 2)South America isn't.
Delia
End Quote
Hello Delia (lovely name, BTW :))
This is just my opinion on the subject, but I think we are called Americans because our country is called the United States of America. South America is a continent, not a country. The others on these two continents are Canadians, Mexicans, Columbians etc. That is how I have always looked at it anyway.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Did you say USers, Cat ? :o :o :o
That wouldn't be a good rep to have ! :P
End Quote
lol Good point.
Cat
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Of course there is "Statesider" for American…
End Quote
I think Statesider sounds cool, kinda like a biker gang.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
This is just my opinion on the subject, but I think we are called Americans because our country is called the United States of America. South America is a continent, not a country. The others on these two continents are Canadians, Mexicans, Columbians etc. That is how I have always looked at it anyway.
End Quote
Dag, you couldn't have explained it any better! ;) You rock :-*
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Hi Wicked Lester, :)
Yes, u see nothing wrong with calling yourself "American" but
that could be because you were born in the USA n in there people conceptualized that an "american" is someone who lives in the United States of America. :)
But maybe u should consider that "the citizens of the USA" have sorta taken over that term of "America".:) Hey, I'm not judging if that is good or bad I'm just sayin how I see it as an outsider. And it is a reality that u have taken over the word...believ it or not...
And u know why people don't associate South American to the term Americans? Well, in my opinion:1) USA is a world superpower 2)South America isn't.
But, what I really don't understand is how come Canadians are kinda left out often when people refer to "Americans", ... Could it be coz most broadcasted polititians n other media people are from the USA???!!! So, they can afford creating a reality where America is just a bit of the continent, that small place between Canada and South America,
... but, then...if "America" is the USA and Canada n South America aren't, how do u place that USA-AMERICA on the map? ??? :) :D ;D
Delia
End Quote
Hi Delia :)
I think dagwood summed up my thoughts pretty well... we are called Americans because that is part of the name of our country. In addition, I think part of the reason why we are called Americans is that it is easier than coming up with something else! ;D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
I like Statesider, but it does sound like some sort of gang 8)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Dag, you couldn't have explained it any better! ;) You rock :-*
End Quote
Yeah Dag, Way to go! :)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Well, some may accuse me of being a typical ...umm whatever you want to call us - because I did not realize that by being labeled "American" it was cheating anyone else. I guess you can call me a "Statesider" if you want to. That word reminds me of "topsiders"(boat shoes).... ;D
Yeah, I will be a Statesider! Sounds cool.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
To add a bit of history to this, back in the 1830's, right after the promulgation of the Monroe Doctrine, a Chilean merchants expressed his belief to Diego Portales (the power behind the Chilean Gov't at the time) that it was great that the United States was going to protect the newly independent South American Republics. Portales responded "Yes, but you must understand that they think they are the ONLY Americans." Even before Monroe, Jefferson had expressed his belief that one day the stars and stripes would wave from the Straights of Magellan. Canada, of course, had a standing invitation to join the U.S. under the Articles of Confederation (smartly, the Canadians declined). Puerto Rico, on the other hand, was never given a choice.
U.S.ians call themselves Americans out of sheer arrogance, which goes back to the "exceptionalism" claimed by the Puritans.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Well, if you've ever read any of my posts concerning the U.S, I simply refer to us as U.S. Citizens. Don't know why, but I've been doing it for years...
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Oh for crying out loud!!!!
Just call me human and leave it at that, ok? ;D :D ;)
Anything more specific is just too politically incorrect for me, dahling.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
In South America and in the Caribbean, people who speak Spanish also call Americans "Americanos" or "Gringos". :)
End Quote
Maybe in the parts that I did not visit, but the few places I've been in Central and South America, estadounidenses (thanks, Crazy Don ;) ) go by names like "Yankee," "güeros/güeras" (blondes), "gavachos/gavachas," and "gringo/gringa" among other nicks. I don't recall them ever being called "Americanos." Maybe "Norteamericanos," but that name also applies to people from Canada and Mexico...
One thing to point out though is that I have not being back there since 1990, so things change over time and language shifts through Americanisms from television programmes.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Oh for crying out loud!!!!
Just call me human and leave it at that, ok? ;D :D ;)
Anything more specific is just too politically incorrect for me, dahling.
End Quote
Cool. When I was called up for the draft, and had to fill out my "paperwork", they asked "race" and I did put "human" (I was a smart @$$ back then too. ;D) I also filled in the answer sheet to the "intelligence test" without reading the questions, just filled in the bubbles - I passed with flying colors ;) ::) ???
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:U.S.ians...End Quote
What the hell is that? :P ::) Don't answer that. Really.
Quoting:...call themselves Americans out of sheer arrogance...End Quote
Who in the hell do you think you are?
You call me arrogant because I call myself an American.
That is exactly what you said and there's no "sugar-coating" that.
Such insolence.
I pity you.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
I pity you.
End Quote
I pity the fool too! ;D
DC, I enjoy reading your posts, I really do, but come on man....do you truly believe that or are you just talking out of your, uh, um, your ear? ::)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Yes, we're arrogant because we call ourselves Americans. Even though our nation is the United States of America.
But in that same vein, I guess Canadians are arrogant for calling themselves that. So what if they're from Canada.
And those arrogant Mexicans from Mexico.
Or those arrogant British from Great Britain. Shouldn't THEY be called Great British instead?
Or those arrogant French from........... nevermind, that one makes sense.
Or those arrogant Russians from Russia.
Bottom line, it's part of our country's name, I believe it entitles us to call ourselves Americans. It's better than U.S.-ians, or United Statesians, or anything else. And if you ask me, you're showing incredible arrogance and snobbery by calling the rest of us arrogant for using it. Such staements remind me of some small-minded 60's rejects I had the unfortunate experience to meet growing up. You remind me of them.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Does the word pretentious ring any bells, DC?
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Maybe in the parts that I did not visit, but the few places I've been in...End Quote
Perhaps not in the few places you've visited.
I have traveled quite extensively since the 70's and the term "Americanos" is a term that is alive and well, even today. :)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
That is why I am from now on Shaz, Human, a person who is a resident of the Northern American Country known as the United States of America, a country identified as existing in but not inclusive of or owning the rights of the name "America" or "American" as other countries in the Western Hemisphere heretofore known as the Americas who wish to also use and claim the right to call themselves American or use the term America to describe their citizenship....... for pete's sake. Sorry if I called myself American, already. I am an arrogant warmongering gas guzzling right wing flag waving fool. Bad Shaz! Bad Shaz! :-[
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Dag, you couldn't have explained it any better! ;) You rock :-*
End Quote
Thanks 8) And your new avatar definately rocks. ;D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
I am an arrogant warmongering gas guzzling right wing flag waving fool. End Quote
Shaz, you rule! This is my new mantra! ;D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
I'm a pot smoking, tofu-eating, tree-hugging, weak-willed, undisciplined, hypocritical, Anti-American, subversive Socialist.
You harbor your own stereotypes. I've been called all of them.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
By the way, I hope Chicago wins the world series. I really want an end to the draught.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Just as you folks have difficulty recognizing the racism that permeates your society, you can't recognize the fact that people who live in other nations in the Americas see you as arrogant for appropriating the name of the entire hemisphere as your own. :o Did you know that Ben Franklin wanted to call the country "Columbia" but by the time he made his case the name was already taken? :) And as I said in my original post, even your great liberal, Tom Jefferson, had imperial designs on the rest of the continent _ which was already occupied, thank you. ::) Sorry you find that so offensive, but answer me this: When you go abroad, to Mexico, or where ever you go, you expect people to speak, or at least understand English (as long as you speak it sloooowly enough) but refuse to learn the languages of those who visit here? >:( I guess its the "lingua imperium syndrom" just more arrogance, the arrogance of POWER. Guess what - lots of others have felt it - the Romans, the Hapsburgs, the French, Dutch, Ottomans. Look where they are. Try learning from HISTORY, and try looking at youselves in the mirror. >:( And one more thing. As an academic, my work is always subject to intense criticism, so I'm use to it and have a thick skin. ;D You guys could stand to be a bit less sensetive, and learn to seperate yourselves from your comments once you put them on the table. That's the first lesson you learn when you get into a formal debate situation. While I have not done this yet, I'm fairly sure that I could play "devil's advocate" and make just about all the conservative arguments I have seen here much better than they have been made. Arrogant? Yes, I am very arrogant. Its part of being well read and intelligent, and knowing it. ;D So sue me and bring it on ;D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
By the way, I hope Chicago wins the world series. I really want an end to the draught.
End Quote
Dang skippy! :D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Did you know that Ben Franklin wanted to call the country "Columbia" but by the time he made his case the name was already taken?
End Quote
Hey, did you all know that Ben Franklin also wanted our National bird to be the TURKEY? :D ;D STRUTH!
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Just as you folks have difficulty recognizing the racism that permeates your society, you can't recognize the fact that people who live in other nations in the Americas see you as arrogant for appropriating the name of the entire hemisphere as your own. End Quote
Gee, guess you haven't looked at a map lately. See, part of the UK is in the Western Hemisphere and some African countries. Oh, and also Portugal, Greenland, Iceland, etc. Let's not even start listing the Northern Hemisphere, I'll be here all night. Which hemisphere are you talking about?
Quoting:Sorry you find that so offensive, but answer me this: When you go abroad, to Mexico, or where ever you go, you expect people to speak, or at least understand English (as long as you speak it sloooowly enough) but refuse to learn the languages of those who visit here? End Quote
??????? English is the most common used language in the world (meaning the native tongue of most countries.) If I went to live in a different country, I would be expected to learn the native tongue of that country. Why is it so "unreasonable" for us English-speaking folk to expect the same of people who come to live in our country? Sorry YOU find that so offensive. So sue us! If we are such an arrogant country and everything sucks, you are free to leave.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Here is something sent to me today by email from a friend, just thought I would share it with you:
When in England at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building by George Bush.
He answered by saying that, "Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return."
It became very quiet in the room.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Hey, did you all know that Ben Franklin also wanted our National bird to be the TURKEY? :D ;D STRUTH!
End Quote
Yes, he is reported to have said it was "a true and loyal bird, native to our country". And, I'm told, Jefferson wanted the dove, although that is hear say. Franklin also said the eagle was a scavanger and a coward. :o
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
??????? English is the most common used language in the world (meaning the native tongue of most countries.) If I went to live in a different country, I would be expected to learn the native tongue of that country. Why is it so "unreasonable" for us English-speaking folk to expect the same of people who come to live in our country? Sorry YOU find that so offensive. So sue us! If we are such an arrogant country and everything sucks, you are free to leave.
End Quote
Actually, English is NOT the most widely spoken NATIVE language. I think its Chinese (if you combine all the dialects) in terms of population. More COUNTRIES speak Spanish than any other language.
It is not unreasonable to expect people who move to the states to learn English. It is unreasonable to expect visitors to do so, just as it is for us to expect them to speak english when we visit their countries.
I have no intention of leaving. I do have the intention of initiating change, for which I have been working since the first time I was called a spic. So lets drop the "love it or leave it" bull dung.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Perhaps not in the few places you've visited.
I have traveled quite extensively since the 70's and the term "Americanos" is a term that is alive and well, even today. :)
End Quote
Not in Central America, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Maybe Mexico, Puerto Rico (and that's a US territory, so it's only natural that they might refer to gringos as "Americanos"), and Belize (that's an English-speaking country anyway) as well as other smaller countries in South America.
To-day it might be different though... because of television imported to those countries.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Hiya every1, :)
Well, I just wanna say that Don Carlos is right. No, 80s cheerleader, English is not the 1st NATIVE most common language, Chinese goes first n Spanish is the second BUT if what u meant was that English was the most commonly used language (specially on international trade operation and other ways of communication bteween people from different nationalities who speak different language) then I would have agreed with you ::)
Well, I suppose that u being American and calling yourself "80s cheerleader" one can quite expect answers like the ones u give. Probably your country has already brainwashed u to believe that your country is n has the best stuff...Shame. Political thoughts shouldn't control education. :(
Delia
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Hiya every1, :)
Well, I just wanna say that Don Carlos is right. No, 80s cheerleader, English is not the 1st NATIVE most common language, Chinese goes first n Spanish is the second BUT if what u meant was that English was the most commonly used language (specially on international trade operation and other ways of communication bteween people from different nationalities who speak different language) then I would have agreed with you ::)
Well, I suppose that u being American and calling yourself "80s cheerleader" one can quite expect answers like the ones u give. Probably your country has already brainwashed u to believe that your country is n has the best stuff...Shame. Political thoughts shouldn't control education. :(
Delia
End Quote
Wow, that is a pretty huge generalization. :o BTW you haven't had the chance to get to know 80s Cheerleader yet, she is one of the most intelligent and nicest people here. I would save judgement until you have given someone a chance. She said that if she went to live in other countries she would expect to learn their language, as would I. ;)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Well, I suppose that u being American and calling yourself "80s cheerleader" one can quite expect answers like the ones u give...
Delia
End Quote
:o That's not very nice.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Well, I suppose that u being American and calling yourself "80s cheerleader" one can quite expect answers like the ones u give. Probably your country has already brainwashed u to believe that your country is n has the best stuff...Shame. Political thoughts shouldn't control education. :(
Delia
End Quote
Well, I thought some of the other posts on here were ignorant, but you just topped them all. >:(
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Actually, English is NOT the most widely spoken NATIVE language. I think its Chinese (if you combine all the dialects) in terms of population. More COUNTRIES speak Spanish than any other language.End Quote
Sorry, have to disagree.( and apologize for stating Native when I meant official) Every listing I've found has more English as the official language countries listed than Spanish. (an average of 35 English to 20 Spanish) I agree, Mandarin is the most widely spoken language, but English is the most common "Official or co-official" language as well as the second most common spoken language. One listing that proves this is http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0855611.html I can list a few more, if you'd like. If you have something that proves otherwise, please let me know.
Quoting:
It is not unreasonable to expect people who move to the states to learn English. It is unreasonable to expect visitors to do so, just as it is for us to expect them to speak english when we visit their countries.End Quote
Quoting:When you go abroad, to Mexico, or where ever you go, you expect people to speak, or at least understand English (as long as you speak it sloooowly enough) but refuse to learn the languages of those who visit here? End Quote
Why is this an issue exclusive to the US? Wouldn't this hold true no matter where you are or what language you speak? If it is unreasonable for visitors to OUR country to learn English, why is it reasonable for us to learn their language when we visit THEIR country? Sounds like a double-standard to me. ::)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Hi everyone, :)
Well, first of all I wanna make clear that I wasn't trying to take it out on 80s Cheerleader, but u know what? I just didn't like that she made an statement that wasn't true (about the most used native language). ::)
Yes, I did generalize but I think she shouldn't have said a thing she wasn't sure about n still try to look right as she did showing off before Don Carlos, I mean she wasn't right, at least not on that.
And well, I think it isn't nice either that people goes calling other people ignorant (that is for you, Princessofpop) just for I expressed my opinion openly. If it looks so ignorant to you just say why. People talk n discuss points of views but going saying "ur statement was ignorant" whatosever n not saying why that's is not a convincing argument. :(
But anyway, yes I must admit that I shouldn't have generalized like that on Americans. In that sense, mea culpa. :-[ Yet, her statement looked to me as she was trying to show off for being American, maybe I got it wrong. ::)Anyway, I'm not here to get angry about stuff I'm here to discuss points of views in an open way. I apologize for generalizing but I still think I'm right on the issue about the most used native language.
Delia
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Well, I suppose that u being American and calling yourself "80s cheerleader" one can quite expect answers like the ones u give. Probably your country has already brainwashed u to believe that your country is n has the best stuff...Shame. Political thoughts shouldn't control education.
End Quote
Yeah, I was a cheerleader, but that by no means implies that I was or am stupid. I graduated with a 4.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale, was offered merit-based scholarships to every college I applied to, and was accepted into every college I applied to. And, yeah, I do love my country. I'm sure you do too. Does that mean that you were brainwashed into it? Don't think so.
Maybe you should read the Forum Guidelines before you post again.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
And well, I think it isn't nice either that people goes calling other people ignorant (that is for you, Princessofpop) just for I expressed my opinion openly. If it looks so ignorant to you just say why. People talk n discuss points of views but going saying "ur statement was ignorant" whatosever n not saying why that's is not a convincing argument. :(
End Quote
;D Ha Ha....funny! Why? Why did I think that statement was "ignorant"? Because it was. And as for explaining myself, what's there to explain? Ignorant is ignorant. Sorry, but that is just "my opinion". ;)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Hi every1 again, :)
Well, hmm, I've been having a look at the website that 80s cheerleader posted n well, it was just about how many countries spoke English n Spanish but not on the people (the number of millions of people) who spoke it, so I can't really judge on it. ::)
And Princesoffpop, u can keep laughing as I don't really care . U got your opinions n I have mines. And maybe if I thought of cheerleaders in stereotypical terms is because that's what is always being showed on the media that the USA broadcasts... Ok, there may be clever ones, of course. Maybe there r more than people stereotipically assume, Anyway, I can't tell, but the thing is most people think they aren't (at least outside the USA)... ::)
Anyway,I apologize about my comment. I shouldn't have assumed sterotypes but as I've already told u what led me to make such a precipitated comment. Got nothing against either cheerleaders or Americans. :)
Delia
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
And maybe if I thought of cheerleaders in stereotypical terms is because that's what is always being showed on the media that the USA broadcasts... Ok, there may be clever ones, of course. Maybe there r more than people stereotipically assume, Anyway, I can't tell, but the thing is most people think they aren't (at least outside the USA)... ::)
Anyway,I apologize about my comment. I shouldn't have assumed sterotypes but as I've already told u what led me to make such a precipitated comment. Got nothing against either cheerleaders or Americans. :)
Delia
End Quote
Ah, so you believe everything you see on a medium meant for entertainment to be true in reality?
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
My two cents, based on what I've read and what I've heard, and also what I've experienced:
Yep, Chinese (particularly the Mandarin and Cantonese dialects) is the language most spoken in the world. Of course it is, there are two billion of us Chinamen scattered around the world. But it's mostly isolated to China, Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore. English is spoken pretty much worldwide, not just in Britain, Australia, Canada and the USA.
Now, there are other widely spoken languages, like Spanish (Spain, Mexico, and just about everywhere in Latin America and the Caribbean), French (France, Quebec, and all the African countries that the French used to occupy, and Vietnam too) and Swahili (joke). But there's gotta be a reason for a French businessman to be speaking English to a Japanese businessman, right? Or even a Spaniard to an Italian. You can't discount the fact that knowing English is important in the corporate and business world. Not to mention that Americans shell out bundles in tourism, so it's good practice to know your customers' language ;)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Here are two that give totals (including those who speak it as a second language) http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/toptens/languages/languages3.html
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0775272.html#A0774735
here is one that breaks it down even further.
http://www2.ignatius.edu/faculty/turner/languages.htm
As a native language, Spanish is more widely spoken, but as a common language (meaning native and secondary), English wins hands down.
You say that you based your opinion of me on how cheerleaders are portrayed on television? How would you like it if I 'judged' you based on the Hispanic people I've seen on television? I assume everyone is equally intelligent, until they prove otherwise.
I accept your apology, BTW. Just, as a word of advice, try not to judge people based on their "screennames" as you never know what they are like in real life. Would you have judged me the same had I used 80s_trackstar as my name?
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Just, as a word of advice, try not to judge people based on their "screennames" as you never know what they are like in real life. End Quote
Wait.......does this mean I'm NOT a REAL princess? ::) :P
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Wait.......does this mean I'm NOT a REAL princess? ::) :P
End Quote
;D Wonder what people think of me if they just go by my screen name? I hate to think..... :(
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
I can at least say that the good Dr. Benton Quest, his son Jonny and young Hadji and I travel about on many misadventures, we did lose the dog Bandit a couple of years ago in a terrible fondue accident. ;)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
I can at least say that the good Dr. Benton Quest, his son Jonny and young Hadji and I travel about on many misadventures, we did lose the dog Bandit a couple of years ago in a terrible fondue accident. ;)
End Quote
Are you sure it wasn't the roast that did him in?
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Are you sure it wasn't the roast that did him in?
End Quote
S'hh- That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Hey Delia, what kind of hat do you wear?
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Hey Delia, what kind of hat do you wear?
End Quote
LOL! ;D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Hey Delia, what kind of hat do you wear?
End Quote
Judging by the posts I would say the same one Don Carlos wears. ;D Oops, did I generalize? Maybe I got it from something I saw in the media........ ::)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:Maybe Mexico, Puerto Rico (and that's a US territory, so it's only natural that they might refer to gringos as "Americanos"), and Belize (that's an English-speaking country anyway) as well as other smaller countries in South America.End Quote
TB, stop arguing with me. We have enough of that here as it is. Thank you very much.
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Well, I suppose that u being American and calling yourself "80s cheerleader" one can quite expect answers like the ones u give.
Delia
End Quote
Delia, we do not tolerate personal insults in these forums.
You may express your opinions here, but you must follow the Forum Guidelines. Read and learn them if you wish to continue posting in these forums:
http://www.inthe80s.com/rules.shtml
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
;D Wonder what people think of me if they just go by my screen name? I hate to think..... :(
End Quote
I know that some people here were surprised to find out I am a girl based on my screen name. ;D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
MEOW! ;D
Cat
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
I know that some people here were surprised to find out I am a girl based on my screen name. ;D
End Quote
...and a pretty cool one if I do say so myself. ;) :D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
I know that some people here were surprised to find out I am a girl based on my screen name. ;D
End Quote
What's in a name? A Dagwood by any other name would be as cool..... :D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Thanks, guys. I think that you guys are all pretty cool too. :)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
TB, stop arguing with me. We have enough of that here as it is. Thank you very much.
End Quote
::) Oooo-kay.
Haha. I knew Chinese and English were first and second, but India is THIRD?! Yes, ladies and germs, Spanish is the FOURTH most spoken language in the world. Spanish used to be third, but human population grows exponentially and so Spanish used to be number three many years ago (I think 20... I think! From reading an old, world almanac).
Spanish is FOURTH? According to this site: Yeah. But we still beat the French!
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
My two cents, based on what I've read and what I've heard, and also what I've experienced:
Yep, Chinese (particularly the Mandarin and Cantonese dialects) is the language most spoken in the world. Of course it is, there are two billion of us Chinamen scattered around the world
End Quote
Our parents used to tell us the reason they had only three kids was because one out of every four people in the world is Chinese... http://www.clicksmilie.de/sammlung/cool/cool-smiley-027.gif Ducks, covers and runs...http://www.clicksmilie.de/sammlung/sport/sport-smiley-006.gif
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Hey Delia, what kind of hat do you wear?
End Quote
:) :D ;D
Those hats are all the rage if you're fighting foreign wars. The US army has a group of guys that wear green ones 8) John Wayne wore a funny hat and he was dang proud of it! I like black or red myself. I think they would look quite fashionable on me as I snuff and pillage everything to the left and everything to the right. Hell yeah, gotta git dat oil home! US citizens are depending on this 8)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Our parents used to tell us the reason they had only three kids was because one out of every four people in the world is Chinese... http://www.clicksmilie.de/sammlung/cool/cool-smiley-027.gif Ducks, covers and runs...http://www.clicksmilie.de/sammlung/sport/sport-smiley-006.gif
End Quote
...and that's flied lice, you plick ;) :D
Quoting:
:) :D ;D
Those hats are all the rage if you're fighting foreign wars. The US army has a group of guys that wear green ones 8) John Wayne wore a funny hat and he was damn proud of it! I like black or red myself. I think they would look quite fashionable on me as I snuff and rape and pillage everything to the left and everything to the right. Hell yeah, gotta git dat oil home! US citizens are depending on this 8)
End Quote
I wear a blue one :) Sometimes I wear a purple one. I can't wait to get my hands on that sweet oil either 8)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
I wear a blue one :) Sometimes I wear a purple one. I can't wait to get my hands on that sweet oil either 8)
End Quote
That's the spirit!
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
I can't wait to get my hands on that sweet oil either 8)
End Quote
Then you can move to Beverly Hills ;D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
That's the spirit!
End Quote
U-S-A, repre-SENT! Can I get a "WHAAAT?! WHAAAT!?"
:D 8)
U-S-A!!
U-S-A!!
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Then you can move to Beverly Hills ;D
End Quote
Swimming pools, movie stars. ;)
Cat
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Tarzan Boy will look mighty sporty in one of them fancy oilskin caps. ;D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Tarzan Boy will look mighty sporty in one of them fancy oilskin caps. ;D
End Quote
Wearing one of those in Costa Rica, I'll be known by the locals as "El Americano" and I'll like it 8)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Hiya every1,:)
Hmm, a hat? ??? Nop, don't wear any hat. :) I think it's better to have my own opinions n don't commit to any particular group with a set political thoughts or anything, that's not for me ;)
And the same hat of Don Carlos? ??? :) ;D ha ha ha.That was funny ;D. Not really. I suppose evry one has their ideas. That's it. :) And that's the cool of being in a discussion forum, u can see different points of view. If I were interested only in mine, wouldn't be here!!
Hmm, ok I see Spanish language seem to be losing the battle about being used...Shame. That's the language I'm best at ;D. Anyway, well, I was talkin about "native" most used languages. But anyway, I wanna post a new question: Do u get in the USA a compulsory foreign language to study at school? When I was a kid I think u did but I'm not sure about how situation is right now? Any USer can answer? :)
Delia
PS: the only times I have worn a hat were on parties n carnavales, wher u had to dress in disguise!Not political staff in there, of course not!:)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
Do u get in the USA a compulsory foreign language to study at school? When I was a kid I think u did but I'm not sure about how situation is right now? Any USer can answer? :)
End Quote
Hello Delia :)
Actually, I think it depends on school district, but there is a compulsory requirement in my high school district to have at least 2 years of a foreign language. Part of that is because the state university system requires you to know a foreign language. It's logical and practical for everyone to learn a second or even a third language (I'm relatively fluent in Chinese and French, but my main language is English) but as a whole, Americans are lazy (tee hee) so they have to force us to take the language :D
I took six years of French, but in retrospect, I probably should have learned Spanish or German ;)
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
I took 2 years of French in high school and 3 semesters in college-and I still can't speak it :-X(I can read it better than I can speak it). I was never very good with languages. :-[ I have enough trouble with English and they excepted me to learn another language? ::)
Cat
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
I also took 3 years in High School and 2 in college of French. When I decided to study in Rome for 4 months whilst in college, I also learned Italian. I can still speak both a little, but not nearly as well as when I was speaking it on a daily basis. In my high school, it was (and still isn't) a requirement. What really cracked me up, though, were the Hispanics who took Spanish, thinking it would be an easy A and had trouble passing the class.(my school was almost 50% Hispanic).
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
My first language was Spanish and then I learned English when I came to the US. I took two years of French in HS and learned diddly. I probably know more Italian and Portuguese from watching foreign films than I ever learned French :P But I don't know any of those languages well-enough to get by in a foreign country :P :P :P That's why we have English, right ??? :) :D ;D
Subject: Re: United Statesmen?
Quoting:
But anyway, I wanna post a new question: Do u get in the USA a compulsory foreign language to study at school? When I was a kid I think u did but I'm not sure about how situation is right now? Any USer can answer? :)
End Quote
I am surprised at the number of people I have spoken to over the years who only had compulsory foreign language studies in high school. In the Ohio school system I grew up with a foreign language was compulsory in grade school: 5th-8th grades. French was available in half the schools and Spanish in the other half. In high school of course both languages were available (as well as Latin) and you could continue if you wished, but it was not compulsory. I took French for 7 years plus one year in college.