So the other day I posted the following on Twitter: “Everyone who complains about immigrants not knowing English should have to use Bibles printed in Greek, Aramaic and Hebrew.” Then Paula H. made the tragic mistake of quoting me on Facebook, sparking a lively discussion about the topic. Well, I guess the liveliest part of the discussion happened when people tried to decipher that cryptic tweet.
So let me try and unpack it a bit. I’d hoped to get some insights into why people would complain about help being offered to those who don’t speak English as their first language. Unfortunately, nobody stepped up to the plate (at least not yet). I’m not surprised when non-Christians join such groups, but I can’t conceive of why Christians would do so.
My only guess is that it’s done out of a lack of understanding. Let me offer some basic points:
- Most immigrants would really like to know English. There are some who have no desire to learn, but that’s definitely a small minority. Therefore, well-meaning phrases like “Learn the language!” don’t do as much good as you think they might.
- Even those who have a fairly good command of English still need their native language for critical situations. Add to that the difficulty of holding a phone conversation in your second language (no visual cues) and the difficulty that we all have in navigating phone menus.
- It would be good for all Christians to have some proficiency in the original languages, but most people will never go to the trouble to do so. One reason they don’t learn those languages is the ready availability of translations.
- Some argue that if we didn’t offer translations to those who speak English as a second language, they would make more of an effort to learn. By that argument, we should do the same with our Bibles, taking away the “crutch” of translations to make people learn.
Of course, being able to read the Bible isn’t nearly as important as being able to talk to your insurance company. Right?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I can’t understand why conservative people (that’s who generally join such “learn to speak English” groups) who claim to believe in the free market system rather than government intervention in the economy are so willing to attack a means private business has to help customers. That isn’t a specifically kingdom of God issue…it’s a matter of good business sense.
Then, of course, there are the points you made here. My wife is Brazilian-American. When she first came to the U.S. she spoke only Portuguese. Obviously, learning English was a high priority for her, and for a couple of years I had to make all of the phone calls because she simply couldn’t communicate using that means.
Further, whoever said that freedom of speech extends only to English in the United States? If private individuals and private businesses want to use another language, they are fully within their natural rights. Further, if the government deems it worthwhile for public safety and stability to offer services in languages alongside English, that’s only wise.
I’d like to take all those who waste time and energy opposing those who are different and drop them for a few weeks in a foreign country with no English. Particularly the Christians, who should have a broader, more universal view. Have they never read the Book of Acts?