Do Your Customers Have To Place Flower Orders In English?

[NavyBrat]

Big story in the Philadelphia area is about a famous cheesesteak shop called Geno's who has put up a sign that his customers must order in English. Here's a link to the story:
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/editorial/14720152.htm

Special note to Herb at PhilllyPhlorist: Do you order your cheesesteaks at Geno's or Pat's???

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

I wholeheartedly agree that if people move to this country, to live in this country, make money here, spend money here, pay taxes here, make use of the system here, they need to speak the language of the land. I can't imagine MOVING to another country, and being indignant about learning another language.(visiting is different, yes learn some, but you'll get by without mastering the language) Speak what you want at home, with your family & friends, but in public, using public services, use the language that belongs to whatever country you are in.

That being said, I would NEVER put a sign up like that, and we do have customers who speak limited english. We try our best to understand them and make them feel just as welcome as the next CUSTOMER. All money spends the same to me, so all customers get the same courteous treatment.

I understand his point, but I think curt, smarmy signs are rude.
"You break it you bought it" RUDE
"No public restrooms" RUDE
"Speak English" RUDE

I also think the hub bub over this is overrated. Must be a slow news time. Businesses who display such an independent attitude, well they certainly don't prosper, and many just fade away.

Venting is fun! to quote Dazeal "woo hoooooo COFFEE!"
tracy

 

[AKIKO'S]

Akiko has a talent

for being able to talk to people who don't really speak English! The owners of the local Chinese Restaurant are great customers because she took the time to help them understand lots of things about our town, including the TAXES! Lots of customers like to exercise their limited Japanese vocabulary with her. The structure of the grammar in Japan seems to be similar to a lot of other countries, and backwards from English.

 

[LORRIE]

My first language was Italian which I spoke until I was school age. My parents made sure I knew enough English to get by when I started kindergarten. That being said, as annoying as it is that some folks don't speak english they are still cu$tomer$! And I want their $$$. I try to keep at least one Spanish speaking employee on staff if possible and hope to learn more myself. Perhaps I'll take a night school class.
Now here's what fries me- ESOL classes are FREE here- heavy hispanic population- but if I want to take a Spanish class I must pay!!???

 

[Dazeal]

Yeah what Tracy said - .. ^
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Thanks Tracy, you saved me a lot of time.

Dianne, I did see this on the news and I thought... Herb is so lucky to have sammys like that where he lives.