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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think that wearing a t shirt saying this deserves at the very least a dagger glare?!

35 replies

shushpenfold · 03/08/2013 12:25

I was shopping in Tesco during the week and a man was wearing a t shirt with the following on it:

Your country needs you......(iconic photo of Sgt Major pointing)

To speak English!

My mouth dropped open and as I looked behind me, I saw DH spot it too....he did a double take and then mouthed WTF at me ahead!

I was still chuntering on about it (and BNP comparisons) 10 minutes later. I can only assume that it was meant to be worn for a reaction......

OP posts:
ImTooHecsyForYourParty · 03/08/2013 12:28

I don't suppose it meant text speak, did it, hun? erm, lolz 4 ur hollibobs say hi to ur hubz n bubba lol

I would quite like a tshirt commenting on that sort of 'english' Grin

[clutching at straws]

WorraLiberty · 03/08/2013 12:28

It's an inflammatory t.shirt for sure

I don't disagree with the sentiment though, and wish more people would at least attempt to learn the language of whatever country they choose to live in.

He must have looked like a twat wearing it.

ImTooHecsyForYourParty · 03/08/2013 12:30

perhaps he should have been wearing this one instead? Grin

imnotmymum · 03/08/2013 12:31

wow Shock

Original poster
shushpenfold · 03/08/2013 12:32

Hecsy...nice idea, will share straws with you!

OP posts:
OutragedFromLeeds · 03/08/2013 12:33

I think it's vaguely amusing. I thought aimed at teenagers and text speak etc. as well though, not bnp style racism.

I also agree with Worra people do need to be able to speak English. I don't think that's racist, it's just common sense (unless you're in France or somewhere!).

GrimmaTheNome · 03/08/2013 12:34

It's a weird slogan because anyone who can't speak English is unlikely to be able to read it anyway Confused. Hecsy is correct!

ThisReallyIsNotSPNopeNotAtAll · 03/08/2013 12:35

I just cant get offended by t shirts.

An elderly woman gave my brother a bollocking for his Sex, Drugs and Sausage Rolls t-shirt he was wearing though. I bought him it!

Original poster
shushpenfold · 03/08/2013 12:35

LOL at the alternative! Worra....with you in theory, but sadly suspect he wasn't making a suggestion for language lessons.

OP posts:
Pantone363 · 03/08/2013 12:37

I rather that than those bent over thonged woman in heels ones that seem to be all the rage at the moment.

I've started doing coughdickcough whenever I see one

Original poster
shushpenfold · 03/08/2013 12:37

The sad thing was that I love stupid t shirts...I have a variety of them......current favourite is dh's which says 'this is how I roll' followed by stick men doing roly poly!

OP posts:
OhThePlacesYoullGo · 03/08/2013 12:38

I of course agree with learning to speak English, but many of my patients are unable to read or write in their own language and did not have schooling beyond primary school. I think I would struggle to pick up, e.g. Arabic all that quickly, despite speaking a couple of foreign languages already, A-levels, BSc, Msc and started doctorate...

Birdsgottafly · 03/08/2013 12:38

On a side note, before this thread kicks off.

My DD has LD's and this may effect her being able to hold a driving licence, because of the need to quickly read road signs, i discussed this at her SEN school, during a recent parent's evening.

She is getting a scooter, for now.

I do wonder why a driving licence and a Health and Safety certificate etc (to work in industrial settings) can be held if English isn't spoken, or cannot be read by the person, from another country, tbh.

If you are going to settle in another country, you should try to learn the language. I don't care what ex pats once did, or didn't do, we are taking about the here and now.

LaGuardia · 03/08/2013 13:34

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by Mumsnet for breaking our Talk Guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

Thisvehicleisreversing · 03/08/2013 14:40

I love an offensive T-shirt me Grin (not that I think that one is offensive)

In my youth my favourite shirts were one that declared 'no god but Satan' and a Cradle of Filth one with 'Jesus is a cunt' on the back.

My dad always got me to answer the door to any Jehovahs witnesses Grin

lostblonde86 · 03/08/2013 14:49

If you live in a country no matter where in the world you need to speak the language native to that country. It's respect!

If was aimed at text speak chat then I would of "lol"Smile

lostblonde86 · 03/08/2013 14:49

If you live in a country no matter where in the world you need to speak the language native to that country. It's respect!

If was aimed at text speak chat then I would of "lol"Smile

kukeslala · 03/08/2013 15:02

To those saying a person should learn the language of the country they are living in, what does that mean to you?

What is a basic knowledge, as this can vary massively.
How would we know the difference between a person who was on their hols and that level of basic and a person living here and what then may be expected to that level of basic?

Should a person only speak the language of the country they are living in... At all times? When in public? Are they able to answer the phone to friends/family in their mother tongue when in public or speak to friends/family in their mother tongue in public or should they speak at all times in public in the language of the Country they are in?

Birdsgottafly
Confused about the driving licence thing, my licence enables me to drive in other Countries where I have not sat a test in that language or even know the language.

WorraLiberty · 03/08/2013 15:09

To those saying a person should learn the language of the country they are living in, what does that mean to you?

Reading, writing and speaking the language independently, without help.

Of course it takes time and a lot of study, but it's worth it if you intend to stay in a country, work there, start a family etc.

candycoatedwaterdrops · 03/08/2013 15:18

LaGuardia Nice!

kukeslala · 03/08/2013 15:29

worral
But to what standard? Amongst all of my English native speaking friends, we all do these to various levels for various reasons.
To me it seems a hard thing to categorise iyswim.
Unless we are close to the person we are unlikely to know how long this person has been in the Country, what they have or haven't been doing to learn etc etc.

birds
I'm absolutely not trying to dig you out, this question if for my own learning.
What is the difference between the speed of being able to quickly read road signs on a scooter and a car?
Why would your DD be able to ride a scooter and not drive a car?

WorraLiberty · 03/08/2013 15:45

To whatever standard means you can get by without an interpreter, communicate effectively with those around you, understand instructions etc.

Either way, people should ensure as much as they can, that the standard/level improves continuously for as long as they live in that country.

It's common sense imo...and most definitely in that person's interest to learn.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 03/08/2013 15:48

LaGuardia..people can mention SEN whenever they like in any context.

Get used to it.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 03/08/2013 15:49

Re the OP. .yes..massively offensive tshirt..might as well have worn one saying "I am stupid" tho tbh.

OutragedFromLeeds · 03/08/2013 15:57

kuk they should be able to speak the language at the very least, enough to deal with day to day situations.

If they are choosing to come for work (i.e. not fleeing an unsafe country) they should be able to be gainfully employed, so speaking, reading and writing to the level of an average school leaver.

As long as they can speak the language of the country they are in when needed then what they choose to do at home etc. is up to them.

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