a lot of a country's culture is preserved and embodied in it's language, so preserving that language is important.....but as globalization proceeds, it is ALSO important that we be able to communicate ideas, negotiate treaties and contracts, compare opinions, share experiences....and, like 'spaw so 'eloquently' demonstrates, just buy a product without confusion and mis-understanding.

We have several languages which have worked their way to the top of the heap for international communication, with English sort of the universal default for the internet and most trade. This happened partly because of clout, and partly because it has about as much adapatibility and nuance and any...and continues to add new terminology all the time.

Bi-lingualism is VERY important, as there are things to be said in a native language that simply don't translate to English or French or Mandarin, but DEMANDING that schools teach all the childern of immigrants in their native language is totally hopeless. There is constant pressure in the US to have Spanish classes in schools, but this ignores the fact that we have 40-50 other language groups now who could easily ask for the same privileges.

I TOTALLY support retaining knowlege and language from one's native culture, but if you are going to live IN country 'X', then BE part of that country and ***learn*** the language and customs of it. Anything else just promotes clashes and ill feeling as ethnic groups form sub-communities and try to maintain a bit of Slobbovia or Elbonia in England, Canada, France, The USA or Germany.

(I know a fellow who married a woman from Spain many (25-30?) years ago, and they have lived in the US ever since, and she will 'barely' use English: her pronunciation and grammar are abominable, and she wants/expects everyone she meets to 'do' the fake cheek kiss that SHE grew up with in Spain....and she feels slighted when topics, menus and social gatherings vary from HER idea of correct.....(extreme example? sure...but in a major melting pot like Wash DC, I see this all the time in various ways)

(those of us in the USA who have moved from one cultural area to another...Texas to Delaware, Minnesota to Mississippi, Kansas to Maryland..*grin*, will know that even 'technically' speaking the same language ain't always enough!)