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In many regions of the World, people speak two or more languages. This
is true in the case of Europe, where many different languages are spoken
and studied. Although there is a great effort going on in the United
States to teach foreign languages at the schools; it is very difficult
for Americans to learn a foreign language. This is due to several
reasons. Some of these reasons are:
* Americans are not exposed to foreign languages through the common media. For example, foreign movies (non-english speaking) are not shown regularly in American theaters, and when they do, movies are sometimes dubbed to English, instead of using sub-titles.
* Americans in general get spoiled from many sources, and do not usually make efforts that are perceived as fruitless. (Knowing a foreign language may not be considered practical or important to the general population.)
* Many Americans may feel uncomfortable when immersing in a different culture, and tend to segregate themselves into national or ethnic groups. Even though the United States is the Melting Pot, many people proudly consider themselves descendants of other nations or regions of the World. (i.e. Italian-Americans, Irish-Americans, African-Americans, etc. ) Unfortunately, this vibrant diversity existing in the United States is used more for segregating people into groups or putting them into labels. Instead this diversity should be used by everybody as a means for learning the cultures from the different ethnic groups.
* When Americans go abroad as tourists or for business, many people at the host country speak English, and there is no need of any effort to understand or get understood in those countries.
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