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Cabbies who can't speak English
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By *bi HaiveMan 45 weeks ago
Forum Mod Cheeseville, Somerset |
"Reports that cabbies in London will no longer be required to prove they can speak English. Well that will work well? Who is to blame here? It's all over the news"
As long as someone can drive me safely from a to b when required I honestly couldn't give a toss if English is their first language or not as long as they can communicate at a basic level.
I like it when I'm in a city and can get an uber, where many drivers often aren't born and bred UK nationals. They don't tend to talk bollocks for the sake of it as the Black cabbies used to when I lived in London. Sometimes I just want to be driven. Not bored to death on the way..... |
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"I will make sure I have “can we quickly stop off at maccies mate” on my phone in every language then.
Tbf, with Google translate we kinda all do "
True. In all seriousness I don’t think they need to speak English really. |
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By (user no longer on site) 45 weeks ago
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"I will make sure I have “can we quickly stop off at maccies mate” on my phone in every language then.
Tbf, with Google translate we kinda all do
True. In all seriousness I don’t think they need to speak English really. "
Oui oui init. |
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"I will make sure I have “can we quickly stop off at maccies mate” on my phone in every language then.
Tbf, with Google translate we kinda all do
True. In all seriousness I don’t think they need to speak English really.
Oui oui init. "
Grassy arse |
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"Black cab drivers? I thought they had to pass a rigorous exam. "
The reports say that black cab drivers used to sit and English test but this is being stopped in a scheme backed by the London Mare Sadiq Khan |
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"Black cab drivers? I thought they had to pass a rigorous exam.
The reports say that black cab drivers used to sit and English test but this is being stopped in a scheme backed by the London Mare Sadiq Khan"
Neigh way |
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"Black cab drivers? I thought they had to pass a rigorous exam.
The reports say that black cab drivers used to sit and English test but this is being stopped in a scheme backed by the London Mare Sadiq Khan
Neigh way "
Fucking hell Nora |
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"Black cab drivers? I thought they had to pass a rigorous exam.
The reports say that black cab drivers used to sit and English test but this is being stopped in a scheme backed by the London Mare Sadiq Khan"
Now he's a horse?
 |
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I'd like a reasonably good grasp of English, which could enhance the quality of the service. It won't always be about getting from A to B, like on a bus.
But he's a great Mayor and I hope he gains reelection. Perhaps a future PM? |
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It’s like no one has ever used a cab abroad and satnav doesn’t exist.
I mean if you rely on talking to a cabbie as one of your 5-a-day social interactions then erm, well.. I don’t know what to say |
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Tom always asks the London cab drivers if they have ever had someone famous in their can which is a great conversation starter but it does not work so well up north... The northern cabbies struggled to recall anyone famous.. |
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"Black cab drivers? I thought they had to pass a rigorous exam.
The reports say that black cab drivers used to sit and English test but this is being stopped in a scheme backed by the London Mare Sadiq Khan
Now he's a horse?
"
A female Horse. |
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"Tom always asks the London cab drivers if they have ever had someone famous in their can which is a great conversation starter but it does not work so well up north... The northern cabbies struggled to recall anyone famous.."
But once they've had you in the back..
Eh Tom.. 
 |
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By (user no longer on site) 45 weeks ago
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I've travelled all over the world and rarely had a problem with cabbies or uber drivers who didn't speak any English at all. In Mexico and Shanghai last year they got a translation app out when I got in, we were able to communicate, and they got me where I needed to go safely.
Really don't see the problem at all.
I prefer when they don't want to chat with me usually, so if they can't I'm winning. |
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"How the hell do they get jobs in this country, other countrys insist as part of their criteria for working that you speak the language this country is a pushover  "
They really don't - well not all of them or probably even most of them. Have you lived and worked overseas? I've lived and worked and had work visas in three countries where English is not spoken very much and never had to speak the language for visa purposes. It is down to each employer to decide what language skills they require. |
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"How the hell do they get jobs in this country, other countrys insist as part of their criteria for working that you speak the language this country is a pushover "
•
They "get" them by doing sensible things: having a CV, applying and passing the selection criteria. They also get "those" jobs because nobody else wants to do them.
When they have those jobs - you know, the ones that they successfully applied for - they get accused by the indigenous populace of stealing 'their' jobs. You cannot steal a job that no one else wants to do, let alone apply for. |
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"Tom always asks the London cab drivers if they have ever had someone famous in their can which is a great conversation starter but it does not work so well up north... The northern cabbies struggled to recall anyone famous.."
Maybe they just got confused by you speaking in the third person and were just thinking what the hell is this Southerner going on about  |
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"Reports that cabbies in London will no longer be required to prove they can speak English. Well that will work well? Who is to blame here? It's all over the news"
Living and working in england. Your jobs serving the local public. Yep... Perfect. Will they need a driving license or insurance either?
It's good to see standards being driven ever upward |
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By *bi HaiveMan 45 weeks ago
Forum Mod Cheeseville, Somerset |
"How the hell do they get jobs in this country, other countrys insist as part of their criteria for working that you speak the language this country is a pushover
•
They "get" them by doing sensible things: having a CV, applying and passing the selection criteria. They also get "those" jobs because nobody else wants to do them.
When they have those jobs - you know, the ones that they successfully applied for - they get accused by the indigenous populace of stealing 'their' jobs. You cannot steal a job that no one else wants to do, let alone apply for."
Shhhh....don't let common sense get in the way of a good gammon gripe.... |
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By *batMan 44 weeks ago
Alicante, Spain. (Sometimes in Wales) |
"How the hell do they get jobs in this country, other countrys insist as part of their criteria for working that you speak the language this country is a pushover. "
I have worked in the following countries.
Nicaragua, Ecuador.
Morocco, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, The Gambia.
Afghanistan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Nepal, Indonesia.
France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein.
Scotland.
The only country that ever asked about my language skills was France and that was simply a letter from my employer saying I could. (I couldn't really).
I'm fluent in English and speak a bit of Welsh, a bit more of Spanish and a very little bit of Italian.
People get jobs in the UK because they apply and beat the competition, or fund themselves and reap the benefits. Often there are jobs that Brits just don't want to do.
But don't let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Gbat |
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"How the hell do they get jobs in this country, other countrys insist as part of their criteria for working that you speak the language this country is a pushover.
I have worked in the following countries.
Nicaragua, Ecuador.
Morocco, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, The Gambia.
Afghanistan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Nepal, Indonesia.
France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein.
Scotland.
The only country that ever asked about my language skills was France and that was simply a letter from my employer saying I could. (I couldn't really).
I'm fluent in English and speak a bit of Welsh, a bit more of Spanish and a very little bit of Italian.
People get jobs in the UK because they apply and beat the competition, or fund themselves and reap the benefits. Often there are jobs that Brits just don't want to do.
But don't let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Gbat "
Or, don't let a good story get in the way of fact? In the care setting there are many agency worker with extremely limited English skills, getting paid more an hour due to being agency workers, and companies needing short notice staff |
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By *batMan 44 weeks ago
Alicante, Spain. (Sometimes in Wales) |
" In the care setting there are many agency worker with extremely limited English skills, getting paid more an hour due to being agency workers, and companies needing short notice staff"
What stops English speaking carers from doing agency work?
Gbat |
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By *batMan 44 weeks ago
Alicante, Spain. (Sometimes in Wales) |
"To add another dimension
Checking for a criminal record will not be possible."
Why do you say that? If an applicant can't satisfy the authority that they are of good character, they won't get a licence. They currently have to do this.
This is about language skills not character.
Gbat |
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" In the care setting there are many agency worker with extremely limited English skills, getting paid more an hour due to being agency workers, and companies needing short notice staff
What stops English speaking carers from doing agency work?
Gbat "
Generally shitty working hours, poor pay scales, and family commitments surrounding safe working hours. Quite often we'll get agency workers working back to back 12hr shifts elsewhere, then coming to us. The work directives for employment do state they shouldn't do this as it's unsafe for practise. The above regarding pay scales is lax regarding agency, as you can't keep tabs, but if someone is on their 22hr of working? They're not fresh if their is an incident, are they?
The language barriers, often cause an issue, if they literally do not understand what is being relayed regarding concerns at handover. Plus enhanced DBS is mandatory for care/childcare work in the UK, but it's very hard to actually get from abroad in some cases |
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"To add another dimension
Checking for a criminal record will not be possible.
Why do you say that? If an applicant can't satisfy the authority that they are of good character, they won't get a licence. They currently have to do this.
This is about language skills not character.
Gbat "
Have you come across Chinese paperwork before?... Because I can assure you if you can keep track of who someone actually is, and where their passport was last issued? When it comes to takeaway owners, you must have a crystal ball
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By (user no longer on site) 44 weeks ago
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"Reports that cabbies in London will no longer be required to prove they can speak English. Well that will work well? Who is to blame here? It's all over the news"
I feel like you are currently my main news source tom.
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By *batMan 44 weeks ago
Alicante, Spain. (Sometimes in Wales) |
So I'm not clear if you are saying working for an agency is a plus or a minus?
I got the impression from your first comment about it that the agency worker was somehow getting things better, but now it seems that the agency work is full of negatives to the extent that not many would wish to do it.
Is that why it pays more?
If the worker is unable to do their job properly because of the language barrier, why do the employers use them? Is it because these jobs are not popular with Brits and there's a gap in the market? Almost as if it's better to have someone with poor English language skills than nobody at all?
Gbat |
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By *batMan 44 weeks ago
Alicante, Spain. (Sometimes in Wales) |
"When it comes to takeaway owners, you must have a crystal ball. "
Chinese takeaway owners don't have to prove they are of good character do they? Taxi drivers do.
Gbat |
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"When it comes to takeaway owners, you must have a crystal ball.
Chinese takeaway owners don't have to prove they are of good character do they? Taxi drivers do.
Gbat "
Do they now have to prove they earn £39000 per annum?
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"So I'm not clear if you are saying working for an agency is a plus or a minus?
I got the impression from your first comment about it that the agency worker was somehow getting things better, but now it seems that the agency work is full of negatives to the extent that not many would wish to do it.
Is that why it pays more?
If the worker is unable to do their job properly because of the language barrier, why do the employers use them? Is it because these jobs are not popular with Brits and there's a gap in the market? Almost as if it's better to have someone with poor English language skills than nobody at all?
Gbat "
It pays better per hour for the agency employers, so the actual staff aren't reciving more per shift themselves. They're popular as in many companies in care are dual working, and it's literally a bum on seat, qualified or not. The care sector in the UK is woefully understaffed, the pay is terrible consisting the job role. And whilst it may be a case of folk who may be unsuited doing the roles. It's also a case of underfunding, and lack of job recognition that doesn't help. |
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By *batMan 44 weeks ago
Alicante, Spain. (Sometimes in Wales) |
"Chinese takeaway owners don't have to prove they are of good character do they? Taxi drivers do.
Do they now have to prove they earn £39000 per annum? "
I don't know. I'm not sure if you mean takeaway owners or cabbies?
I don't follow you, sorry.
Gbat
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"Chinese takeaway owners don't have to prove they are of good character do they? Taxi drivers do.
Do they now have to prove they earn £39000 per annum?
I don't know. I'm not sure if you mean takeaway owners or cabbies?
I don't follow you, sorry.
Gbat
"
New people to the country who want to be cab drivers. |
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By *batMan 44 weeks ago
Alicante, Spain. (Sometimes in Wales) |
"New people to the country who want to be cab drivers. "
If they are new to the country I'm not sure they'd have earned anything yet.
Is it in their country of origin they have to prove that income? Would be tough if they did taxi'ing in Bangladesh, regardless of their language skills.
Gbat |
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By *batMan 44 weeks ago
Alicante, Spain. (Sometimes in Wales) |
From gov.uk
You'll need to:
complete a driving skills assessment
have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 12 months, or 3 years if working in London
pass background checks
pass a medical check
be over 18 but over 21 in some areas, including London
pass a local geography test, known as 'The Knowledge' if working in London
if you work in London, you'll need to meet the English language requirement
I'm guessing TomTom was referring to changes pertaining to the last sentence.
Gbat |
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"From gov.uk
You'll need to:
complete a driving skills assessment
have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 12 months, or 3 years if working in London
pass background checks
pass a medical check
be over 18 but over 21 in some areas, including London
pass a local geography test, known as 'The Knowledge' if working in London
if you work in London, you'll need to meet the English language requirement
I'm guessing TomTom was referring to changes pertaining to the last sentence.
Gbat "
Now, look up the qualifications for agency care workers in the UK? Because the benchmark is woeful... |
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"To add another dimension
Checking for a criminal record will not be possible.
Why do you say that? If an applicant can't satisfy the authority that they are of good character, they won't get a licence. They currently have to do this.
This is about language skills not character.
Gbat
Have you come across Chinese paperwork before?... Because I can assure you if you can keep track of who someone actually is, and where their passport was last issued? When it comes to takeaway owners, you must have a crystal ball
"
We have to get staff requiring sign off to work with vulnerable people to provide police checks from their home country. Including China. So it is possible. Takes absolutely ages though. |
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"To add another dimension
Checking for a criminal record will not be possible.
Why do you say that? If an applicant can't satisfy the authority that they are of good character, they won't get a licence. They currently have to do this.
This is about language skills not character.
Gbat
Have you come across Chinese paperwork before?... Because I can assure you if you can keep track of who someone actually is, and where their passport was last issued? When it comes to takeaway owners, you must have a crystal ball
We have to get staff requiring sign off to work with vulnerable people to provide police checks from their home country. Including China. So it is possible. Takes absolutely ages though. "
My daughter works in takeaways part time (has done since 15). Some of the visas state various countries that come under her nose... Generally not China, likely via Spain, or Portugal... Immigration would have a field day |
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"To add another dimension
Checking for a criminal record will not be possible.
Why do you say that? If an applicant can't satisfy the authority that they are of good character, they won't get a licence. They currently have to do this.
This is about language skills not character.
Gbat
Have you come across Chinese paperwork before?... Because I can assure you if you can keep track of who someone actually is, and where their passport was last issued? When it comes to takeaway owners, you must have a crystal ball
We have to get staff requiring sign off to work with vulnerable people to provide police checks from their home country. Including China. So it is possible. Takes absolutely ages though.
My daughter works in takeaways part time (has done since 15). Some of the visas state various countries that come under her nose... Generally not China, likely via Spain, or Portugal... Immigration would have a field day "
Last raid was a 40k ban I believe |
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I couldn't give a fuck tbh.
Loads of Countries I've visited have cab drivers that speak a variety of languages but not English and I've never had a problem. Why would it be an issue here?
You can just get a free app that you speak into and it'll translate to most languages now. Language differences isn't exactly the barrier it used to be. |
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By (user no longer on site) 43 weeks ago
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"I'd like a reasonably good grasp of English, which could enhance the quality of the service. It won't always be about getting from A to B, like on a bus.
But he's a great Mayor and I hope he gains reelection. Perhaps a future PM?"
Jeez, if that waste of skin ever gets to be pm we're all fkd.
Countrywide ULEZ anyone???  |
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By *ornycougaWoman 43 weeks ago
NORWAY Wherever I lay my hat |
"I couldn't give a fuck tbh.
Loads of Countries I've visited have cab drivers that speak a variety of languages but not English and I've never had a problem. Why would it be an issue here?
You can just get a free app that you speak into and it'll translate to most languages now. Language differences isn't exactly the barrier it used to be. "
This. Google* Translate. Show them the location on Google* Maps. I've never had any problems.
* I'm sure other apps are available
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"I couldn't give a fuck tbh.
Loads of Countries I've visited have cab drivers that speak a variety of languages but not English and I've never had a problem. Why would it be an issue here?
You can just get a free app that you speak into and it'll translate to most languages now. Language differences isn't exactly the barrier it used to be.
This. Google* Translate. Show them the location on Google* Maps. I've never had any problems.
* I'm sure other apps are available
"
Exactly! Most use a sat navigation of some form or Google maps anyway now for convenience and to see where delays are so just give them the postcode. Problem solved. |
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By *G LanaTV/TS 43 weeks ago
Gosport |
But if they can't speak English how will I know what choice bits of the Daily Mail they want to indoctrinate me with, which seems to be what every taxi driver I've ever taken feels the need to do. |
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"Reports that cabbies in London will no longer be required to prove they can speak English. Well that will work well? Who is to blame here? It's all over the news
As long as someone can drive me safely from a to b when required I honestly couldn't give a toss if English is their first language or not as long as they can communicate at a basic level.
I like it when I'm in a city and can get an uber, where many drivers often aren't born and bred UK nationals. They don't tend to talk bollocks for the sake of it as the Black cabbies used to when I lived in London. Sometimes I just want to be driven. Not bored to death on the way..... "
This exactly. |
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"Get into a minicab, late at night, after a few drinks, with a strange man who can't communicate with you. What could go wrong.? "
you'd end up at Heathrow airport with a hefty charge being levied at you........ I said Hatton Gardens ffs |
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"Get into a minicab, late at night, after a few drinks, with a strange man who can't communicate with you. What could go wrong.?
What goes wrong on holiday in that scenario?"
theirs a difference they are living and working here we are going for a week and in my defence i do try to converse in their language |
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"Reports that cabbies in London will no longer be required to prove they can speak English. Well that will work well? Who is to blame here? It's all over the news"
How about posting the actual story, instead of an inaccurate summary?
The term “cabbies” usually refers to black cab drivers. Your story doesn’t |
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"Black cab drivers? I thought they had to pass a rigorous exam.
The reports say that black cab drivers used to sit and English test but this is being stopped in a scheme backed by the London Mare Sadiq Khan"
neigh |
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We have the technology to live translate but that isn't the point the point is if they want to live and work here and are allowed to live and work then it should be a prerequisite that they can at least speak the language, i think that the Brexit vote said a lot more than that to be fair |
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By (user no longer on site) 43 weeks ago
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"We have the technology to live translate but that isn't the point the point is if they want to live and work here and are allowed to live and work then it should be a prerequisite that they can at least speak the language, i think that the Brexit vote said a lot more than that to be fair "
Just the government not wanting to admit mass immigration is a failure(Even pro mass migration charities in Canada have admitted do now).
We are too appealing to people so we need to be strict in migration law or cut the appeal |
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"We have the technology to live translate but that isn't the point the point is if they want to live and work here and are allowed to live and work then it should be a prerequisite that they can at least speak the language, i think that the Brexit vote said a lot more than that to be fair
Just the government not wanting to admit mass immigration is a failure(Even pro mass migration charities in Canada have admitted do now).
We are too appealing to people so we need to be strict in migration law or cut the appeal "
Exactly we are a soft touch come to England to make your fortune you don't need to speak the language wash cars, become a taxi driver, deliver parcels, work at our airports overseeing British people coming in and out of their own borders, work in our hospitals because british people don't want to do these jobs! |
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If the ability to communicate in a common language is so unimportant and so unnecessary , why have millions of people the world over learnt and continue to learn a foreign language
Just something that crossed my mind while reading down the thread.
I personally have no linguistic skills beyond those of my country of origin, never saw the need as am not a globe trotter. |
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By (user no longer on site) 43 weeks ago
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People should be moving here without talking the language as much as we should be moving and working abroad without bothering to learn the local language.
It's rude cuntish behaviour to live/work abroad and remain ignorant. |
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By *batMan 43 weeks ago
Alicante, Spain. (Sometimes in Wales) |
"We have the technology to live translate but that isn't the point the point is if they want to live and work here and are allowed to live and work then it should be a prerequisite that they can at least speak the language, i think that the Brexit vote said a lot more than that to be fair "
Brits are the most monoglot people I know.
What about you decline every taxi when the driver can't speak enough English, and wait until you get a service that suits you? That'll show 'em!!
Gbat
ps. What more did the Brexit vote say and where can I read it?
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"We have the technology to live translate but that isn't the point the point is if they want to live and work here and are allowed to live and work then it should be a prerequisite that they can at least speak the language, i think that the Brexit vote said a lot more than that to be fair
Brits are the most monoglot people I know.
What about you decline every taxi when the driver can't speak enough English, and wait until you get a service that suits you? That'll show 'em!!
Gbat
ps. What more did the Brexit vote say and where can I read it?
"
I never catch taxis i disagree with the fare structure |
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