Quote:
Originally posted by Lion Roar
Well, the situation described actually happens and I have seen it with my own eyes. Last summer on the beach I've been to, every bar or pub was either English or German, and I know of a lot of places that are like that. But I don't see that kind of immigration harmful. I mean, they bring profits to Spain's economy, since they spend money they bring from foreign countries, and they keep alive the building industry which is one of Spain's most important sectors in it's economy. So I don't think it's bad. What it may be bad it's, as you say, the attitude, 'cause if you go to the beach you can't talk with other people and it's like you're in another country. And yes, I think they should try at least to learn some Spanish. But this is just a "moral" issue, and what it's a topic to debate is how to deal with illegal immigrants and the consequences of them.
I'm not talking about holiday makers or tourists. I've been to Spain no less than 5 times on my holidays, even though my level of Spanish leaves something to be desired. I'm talking about those who "move" out there, to leave their homes in the UK and buy an apartment in Spain without knowing or intending to learn Spanish. They just rely on the "they all speak English" factor. I mean you probably don't see that as a problem LR as your English is really good from what I've read. But what about the older people who don't know it as well, they've either got to learn more English or just hope that the Brits learn Spanish. There was a cartoon in my newspaper a few weeks ago which had pictures of Spanish apartments being built and all the "se vende" signs, and there were two men in this boat, and one said to the other "I'm thinking of learning English so I'll be accepted by the locals". Now for me that says a lot. Now I'm sure the Spanish don't want them to speak fluently or "con regularidad", But for them to learn enough to communicate effectively with other people. Maybe it's just me, but as Roog said, you should learn the language of the country you live in, I think it's only fair really.