Polititions and foren languages

[tovaris]

A few days ago our priministrice went on CNN saying something about how jolly the financial situation is here... Her english was terrible!! In my opinion if she knew she couldn't speak the language properly she should have spoken in slovenian and let them translate it but no she had a nice crib not to read from.

Do you think politiciansns should know foreign languages?
What in your opinion would be best for them to do in the case they cant properly communicate in a certain language?

[WickedWeekend]

It looks like you can't speak English well either, so stop criticizing her.

I think politicians should only know the languages of their respective countries and if they speak to a different crowd than that of their own language, they would obviously need a translator.

[Harry Smith]

Ironic much?

[tovaris]

It looks like you can't speak English well either, so stop criticizing her.

I think politicians should only know the languages of their respective countries and if they speak to a different crowd than that of their own language, they would obviously need a translator.

If you find any spelling mistakes im my posts plese report them ti immediately so that I can correct them.

[Harry Smith]

If you find any spelling mistakes im my posts plese report them ti immediately so that I can correct them.

*please *to *me

[WickedWeekend]

*please *to *me

Okay, now you're just getting nitpicky lol.

[tovaris]

*please *to *me

Thank you

[Atonement]

Do you think politicians should know foreign languages?

Absolutely. In a world where we all have to communicate across borders practically daily, our leaders should be examples for the rest of the population and build their foreign language skills. Communication is key to progress.

What in your opinion would be best for them to do in the case they cant properly communicate in a certain language?

Properly? Does it matter if it is proper? No. Language's purpose is communication. If the prime minister was understood, her English was good enough. If she wasn't able to be understand, they could've added subtitles. Think of it like this: If I went to Slovenia and just spoke English with an interpreter, not even trying the basics, I could come across as an ignore American. If I put in some effort, whether or not it is good doesn't matter, I would seem like I am at least trying to be respectful of another culture. Whether good or not, effort speaks louder than words. As long as communication happened, her English did it's purpose.

[Left Now]

Politician have to know three foreign language at all...And one of them must be English...

[Atonement]

Politician have to know three foreign language at all...And one of them must be English...

Are you saying that as a suggestion or quoting a law in Iran? Also, to what extent must they "know" a language?

[Twilly F. Sniper]

I think all politicians (Especially of NATO countries) should know Latin, at least. Other modern languages may assist in communication.

[Atonement]

I think all politicians (Especially of NATO countries) should know Latin, at least. Other modern languages may assist in communication.

Though Latin is a good stepping stone into the Romance languages, and they're descendants, it serves little practical purpose in diplomacy. I agree it should be used, but not as a foreign language for practical use.

[Left Now]

In Iran a politician must know Arabic,English,it is a law.But i suggest that they must be three foreign language at all...For example French,Russian or....

[Atonement]

In Iran a politician must know Arabic,English,it is a law.But i suggest that they must be three foreign language at all...For example French,Russian or....

I dig that approach. However, that could block some incredibly intelligent and qualified people from joining government.

[Left Now]

But still it has some exception too...If they got that he is really talented in politics,first they will bring him in and than they would teach him those languages if he wants...
As I say exceptions always will overthrow the laws..

[Twilly F. Sniper]

Though Latin is a good stepping stone into the Romance languages, and they're descendants, it serves little practical purpose in diplomacy. I agree it should be used, but not as a foreign language for practical use.

That wasn't exactly what I was hinting at. I thought if they understood Latin, (in which a lot of languages have Latin roots) that might help (because of the information in the last pair of parenthesis)

[britishboy]

no that's what translators are for yes it's helpful but I think it's more important that theyre a good politician than have multiple languages

[TheBigUnit]

Politicians can speak should at least be able to speak their native language or a central language all nations knows, in the olympics its french, maybe english would be a better suit for a central language

[Atonement]

no that's what translators are for yes it's helpful but I think it's more important that theyre a good politician than have multiple languages

I agree and disagree here. I mean, I don't want someone's linguistic qualifications to prevent them from holding a position for which they could otherwise be the best candidate. However, a politician, especially one that will deal with diplomacy, would do very well to be multilingual. Plus, if someone would be qualified for a high level position, you would think they'd be intelligent enough to master another tongue.