...on CNN. They said that 2 out of every 3 children in Iceland are born out of wedlock. Evidently, marriage isn't that big a deal there.

 

On a totally unrelated note, there was a lake where you could dive in, spread your arms and tough two different tectonic plates. That was pretty cool.

...on CNN. They said that 2 out of every 3 children in Iceland are born out of wedlock. Evidently, marriage isn't that big a deal there.

 

On a totally unrelated note, there was a lake where you could dive in, spread your arms and tough two different tectonic plates. That was pretty cool.

 

Given the stats there, you sure they weren't spreading their legs?

Kids in Iceland typically speak 2-3 languages by the age of 18.

Kids in Iceland typically speak 2-3 languages by the age of 18.

 

In the eyes of some Americans, this is a terrible thing. "They should speak our language," the thinking goes.

In the eyes of some Americans' date=' this is a terrible thing. "They should speak our language," the thinking goes.[/quote']

 

They do.

They do.

 

Point missed …

Only took 4 posts.

In the eyes of some Americans, this is a terrible thing. "They should speak our language," the thinking goes.

 

For the most part English is the universal language in the business world. When you control the dollar you get that luxury.

 

But I agree multiple languages can stimulate the brain. I feel how we teach languages at younger ages is terrible.

 

But in reality the only two languages that should be taught from a business sense is German or Manderian . Spanish just because of demographics domestically would make some sense.

 

But I also think it does make sense to teach everyone English first.

I don't get the Iceland channel on my cable but I think I'd went for a Wheeler Dealer or NCIS re-run instead of the Iceland special.

Many years ago the manager of our European operations told me that everyone in Europe fights over the language they want to trade in. They kind of felt threatened by everyone else. The exception was that everyone in Europe learned French so they could deal in that language because no one felt threatened by the French. She was dead serious and I found that hilarious.

Given the stats there, you sure they weren't spreading their legs?

 

Well done.

Many years ago the manager of our European operations told me that everyone in Europe fights over the language they want to trade in. They kind of felt threatened by everyone else. The exception was that everyone in Europe learned French so they could deal in that language because no one felt threatened by the French. She was dead serious and I found that hilarious.

 

Its also the language of international diplomacy (or was). American English is incredibly sloppy - and its making its way into our legal verbiage.

 

It is fascinating to watch Europeans converse in a group using one language that all can talk (usually English) and if the 'foreigner' leaves those remaining will switch to native language without a skip in conversation.

In the eyes of some Americans, this is a terrible thing. "They should speak our language," the thinking goes.

 

I get your point Jim. However, I don't think it is quite accurate. As long as everyone speaks English we don't care how many languages they speak. What people are upset about is people who want to live their life in this country who don't or won't learn English.

Well, the reason I posted in Controversial Issues is the apparent unimportance of marriage with respect to having children in a reasonably modern country.

And in typical controversial issues thread fashion, you ended up with 6 different threads in one!