Languages

[Denise1952]

Here's another thing I was reminded of when looking up my health coverage. (see attachment) I didn't include the English part, and these were just a few of the languages, I think the handbook said 10. This is Oregon Health Plan, for Oregonians k, but I'm just wondering if we are going to all have to learn other languages? I mean, English used to be taught to immigrants. If it is still being taught, why all of this?

 

[Mrs. Robinson]

Ha! We were just discussing this the other night with sis and BIL. Driving tests are now given here in California in every language you can think of. Yet the road signs are all in English. Will they someday be posted in all of these languages? If not,how will people who don`t speak or read English be able to drive??

 

[Denise1952]

It's just nonsense MrsR, that's truly outrageous! And they wonder why all the traffic fatalities, it's blamed on the elderly, or teans, but how my folks that don't know what and English written road sign says are causing accidents?

 

[Davey Jones]

Im an American driver for 40+ years and I still cant understand some english language traffic signs.

Ill be going next month for my renewal drivers liscense test and Im going to speak Mandarin the whole time,that way Ill get in and out in record time instead of standing in long lines with those "Americans:.

 

[nan]

Crazy isn't it.

 

[Warrigal]

Here's another thing I was reminded of when looking up my health coverage. (see attachment) I didn't include the English part, and these were just a few of the languages, I think the handbook said 10.

For some things it matters little one way or the other whether or not you understand the instructions. For others you can use a graphic that is reasonably universally understood but for very important matters, like health, it is necessary to make sure that as few people as possible miss out on the message.

If translators are available then how much does it hurt to print important instructions in common community languages as well as in English?

 

[SeaBreeze]

When they leave out the English part, then we really have to worry! It bugs me when I call up somewhere and get their voice system where you have to choose all your numbered selections for what you're wanting...then, the first thing they say is "For English Press 1".....nooooo, just give me the English, and let the other language preferences press 1!!!

 

[Denise1952]

Crazy isn't it.

Yes, it is, I think it should be a qualification to become a citizen, learn the English language. I wonder how many dollars are spent on translations and compare that cost to learning, basic English.

 

[Denise1952]

When they leave out the English part, then we really have to worry! It bugs me when I call up somewhere and get their voice system where you have to choose all your numbered selections for what you're wanting...then, the first thing they say is "For English Press 1".....nooooo, just give me the English, and let the other language preferences press 1!!!

I've run into this a lot with my medical calls, and yes, I never thought of that SB, yes, I agree 100 percent.

 

[Denise1952]

That health plan is for Oregonians, and how many Oregonians do we have that speak those languages? I don't know how anyone that doesn't speak some English, can get by living here, and if they aren't citizens or living in Oregon (have an oregone home-address) they cannot be covered on this health plan. There's such a lot I don't know, or understand, I realize that, these things are just so confusing. Remember, 10 languages. I don't doubt there are people from every country living here, but they don't know English yet? Again, maybe it's not going to be necessary, because we won't be having English as our main language. Guess it's time to start studying other languages, sure won't hurt to be prepared.

 

[Warrigal]

In the school where I taught we had kids from every continent bar Antarctica and they represented 70 different countries. The kids were good at English but some of the parents were not. Have you ever tried to learn a foreign language in your middle years? I tried to learn Russian when I was about 43 and I couldn't do it even though when I was at school I successfully learned French, German and Latin. I gave up with the Russian after a few lessons because the alphabet was so different and I kept getting confused with that and Roman script. I really don't know how these parents cope. They have to rely on their children to interpret for them. Why begrudge them a little assistance. As long as the lingua franca comes first, what does it matter to include a few translations ?

NWLady, if it troubles you so much why not ask the providers of the Health Plan why they do it, and if it is really necessary. I'm sure someone will be able to give you a satisfactory response.

 

[Denise1952]

I really think we should not begrudge anyone anything they want from us, welcome all legal non-legal, those that hate America but want what she has, yeehaw, party down!! Just come on in, and when it's all gone, the locust will move on, it's not a new story.

 

[Warrigal]

I don't think you are getting the picture.

The phone number takes you to an automated service. These work by splitting up the callers with a series of questions. First question and the most effective at sorting out the callers was Choose 1 for English. What was choice 2? Have you tried it? I'm guessing it took you to a menu to ask for a translator. Meanwhile all the English speakers are going on to another series of menus and gradually getting to a point where they can be attended to. Meanwhile, all of the non-English speakers are waiting on line for yonks for a human to pick up the call.

If this health care plan is only for residents/citizens of Oregon, I would guess that the plan doesn't cover illegal aliens unless the plan is prepared to take anyone's money, no questions asked.