Why do people speak other langueges?
154713
While people derived from a common ancestor, be it Adam and Eve or monkeys (or both!), they split into different regions and developed on their own.  That's why English, French, Spanish, German and Italian use the same Aramaic alphabet and Slavs use the Cyrillic.  Asians don't use an alphabet, but instead use a system of symbols to depict what is being communicated.
843909
people care about their languages, it's not reasonable, it's not defensible from any scientific point of view, it is just the way human culture is, so yes, it is desirable to try to preserve all languages. how would you feel if suddenly no one spoke english anymore and you were forced to express yourself for the rest of your life in another language?
1127405
Part of the issue is ignorance, another part is ego-centrism.  People seem to always assume when they hear two people talking in another language that the speakers must be somehow talking about the non-speakers.\n\nAnother part is that many people here feel put off  and less 'superior' if there are people speaking other languages around them.  I speak three languages other than English.  I am a LEGAL immigrant.  I take every chance to speak any of my languages as a chance to share, develop and practice skills.\n\nIt also gives me an understanding of how people think from other cultures.  If you refuse to learn other languages/deal with non-English speakers, you limit yourself.\n\nEnglish, for the most part will always be 'under attack' and will also always be the common language in the US.  As new groups come here from other countries (not just South America and the Carribean) those languages will be heard as well.  Give the current group of immigrants two generations and let's see how many still can't speak English.
51689
cos speaking spanish requires this twist of tongue that only the natives can do it (or so it seems). it might help to converse frequently with real spanish people or live in a spanish populated area for a period of time.
383520
I love to learn other languages. \n\nLanguages are the essence of culture and visa versa. One cannot exist without the other. This is mostly noticeable in languages which are still not effected by the onslaught of modern Western civilization. I speak several European languages where the mind-set and ideals are all basically the same. \n\nBut when you begin to learn languages that are not of the  European descent things start to change drastically. You find connections with nature and the world around you that have been lost or are lacking in the major European languages. Ways to express things in a whole different sense.\n\nI speak fluent Mandarin and have a BA in Mongolian language and literature, I am also learning Cherokee. All three of these languages do not fit into the European language category and are fascinating; but with that also comes the hard part, learning to understand and absorb the new ways of seeing things and different ways of expression. Each of these different languages has its own individual connection with people and the world around it. The Chinese language is very cut off from nature and sees humanity as the strong point in its expression. Whereas the Mongolian language is very much a part of the natural world in its strong and expressive vocabulary connected to nature.\n\nLanguages are fascinating! They provide us our thought process, our world-view and the way we perceive life in general. \n\nLanguages can be a hindrance or a mind-opening experience.
50380
Many parents have one parent speak in the native language all the time, and one parent speak in another language all the time when children are young so that they learn both languages.  This allows them to understand that other languages are not strange and different, but just a part of everyday life.  \n\nThis generally results in bilingual skills for your child, but if you want a child to learn a little of lots of different languages, you can attach signs on things in different languages (like the fridge, computer, etc) and read them stories in those languages so that they are exposed to them from a young age.  But you are correct in realizing that this is the best time to teach a child to speak another language: when they are in high school, it's generally too late to become fluent unless you live in another country.
721863
Being from the Netherlands I can say that most Dutch speak, write and understand the english language better than any other non-english-speaking country. Since we started to make trade around the world in 1600 we had no choice but to speak other languages than only dutch. \n\nMost people speak some german and french too as it are indeed mandatory subjects at school. For higher educated people it's a common thing to be more than 3-lingual..
468171
People think that using sophisticated words makes you sound more educated because educated people use sophisticated words.  If you know how to use the words, you can get higher status without having the education.\n\nTry thinking about what gives people higher status in your native language.  I bet it's something similar.
430136
if it isnt your first language, and you live in america, it is important to learn english as your second language because so many every day interactions are in english. many people in this country only speak english, so you would have a tough time if you couldnt speak it-- thats why its better to learn it if you can, to help you function in social interactions.
40468
I'm sure they did when they first got here, but over time people didn't teach languages other than English to their children.  This often happens as a natural process when more than one language is available in the environment; people always want to learn the language of power, and ignore any others.  It's sad but true.  That's why I hope that people who read my answer will choose to continue speaking other languages, if they know them.  People are often worried about messing up their kids, but it doesn't mess them up.
471145
because, we need english to communicate with other people and to learn. English is one of the most spoken languages! We learn, we speak, english is very important to learn.
159586
For some it is because English is a second language. For others it is because our school systems have failed to teach people how to read  and spell properly.
474190
I am in the electronics business an have had dealings with many different cultures and languages.  The one thing I have been surprised with is how many people to whom English is a second( or third) language can have such great difficulty pronouncing words in English can perfectly pronoun slang and curse words.  For example, many Koreans I know cannot pronounce F's and P's correctly but can say Mother *ucker perfectly.  Interesting.
936031
The reason is as simple as it is obvious.\nLanguage is the instrument we use to transmit culture from one to another, from parent to child, from teacher to student, from the older generation to the next one, etc.\nYou may say that this can be done by the force of example and that is partially true, but only language enables you to explain WHY.
315460
Because most people are too busy using internet lingo. Also take into account the vast age range and the fact that not everyone is from English speaking countries. Often times people type like they talk, and some words may get omitted. Be tolerant and try to understanding.
103306
I think some must be speakers of another language and their english is the second or third language they speak.  Because alot of times it is not just spelling  errors but every other grammatical faus pax you can commit.
212654
Good question, not.  It's like asking, why doesn't everyone speak English the same.  Everyone tells their own version of the same fairy tale.