2nd most spoken languages in London Boroughs (after English)
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Only a couple of clues to her being a employee really; like she was wearing a Tesco uniform and was pushing a large trolley of trays in the restaurant area back into the kitchen.se9addick said:
Are you sure they worked there ? I'd be pretty surprised if a major supermarket would employ someone on the working floor that literally couldn't speak English.Plumstead_Micky said:I was in a Tesco store in Weybridge on bank holiday Monday and my son wanted the loo. So I asked a Tesco assistant on the shop floor where the toilets were, but she snapped back "I don't speak English, sorry" and walked off.
"Ah, thanks very much" I said and went off to find another 'assistant'. It might be great that so many different languages are spoken here, but I don't think it unreasonable for newcomers settling and working here to speak English.3 -
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/189038/response/465648/attach/html/3/RFI 06472 attachment.docx.htmlRed_in_SE8 said:Where is the Nepalese community in Greenwich mostly based? As a Greenwich borough resident I really struggle to believe that Nepalese is the second language in the borough.
The people who maintain the borough web site don't seem to be aware of this fact either.
royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/92/housing_allocations_-_registering_for_a_property/529/search_and_apply_for_a_home/20 -
Good one2
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They lose their punch when you have to explain them.....2
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Probably get a ban knowing how sensitive this forum can be but some of these posts are ridiculous.
It's sad that it's even a possibility that the majority of any London Borough may have English as it's second language. Just isn't acceptable.
I don't have a problem with people speaking in their own language when they visit the country, I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.
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"I haven't got a sign on the door that says 'white people only'. I don't care if you're black, brown, yellow - Orientals make very good workers."
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Isn't London something like the sixth largest French city? I'm Surprised French isn't featuring more strongly as a second language.
Edited to say the French Consulate reckons there are maybe 300,000 to 400,000 French citizens in London. But it seems there's only one Frenchman in Wigan.....0 -
But why? Are you worried they're talking about you or something?Braziliance said:I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.
I've lived in a few countries and can't say I've ever seen British expats walking around speaking the local tongue to each other. If it's all of a sudden such a cornerstone of British manners...5 -
It is acceptable to speak in a way that facilitates decent communication whatever the name of the language.
English has words from 146 other languages.
'Tea' is a prime example, and ironic in as much as tea time, and a cup of tea appears to be as 'English' as you can get.
Two minutes looking on the internet will inform the ignorant as to how many words in our so called 'English' language originate abroad.
Here is a web page to get the ignorant started and to help them become better informed:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_English_words_by_country_or_language_of_origin1 - Sponsored links:
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So you should only be allowed to live in the country if English is your first language?Braziliance said:Probably get a ban knowing how sensitive this forum can be but some of these posts are ridiculous.
It's sad that it's even a possibility that the majority of any London Borough may have English as it's second language. Just isn't acceptable.
I don't have a problem with people speaking in their own language when they visit the country, I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.1 -
That's what Boris said, based on the French consulate's figures. But they don't fit with the ONS's figures, which are much lower. If they are believed London woudl be about the 60th biggest French city/town.cafcfan said:Isn't London something like the sixth largest French city? I'm Surprised French isn't featuring more strongly as a second language.
The BBC did a programme about it a while ago.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26823489
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Actually it was based on the ONS data using the register of births. Mohammed was the most popular boys name in London and the West Midlands. If you combine the three most usual spellings of the name then it was most popular overall.Chizz said:
Yes, based on a small sample "survey". But in the UK, Muhammed was the 29th most popular name in the UK in 2013Rizzo said:
Oliver
Jack
Charlie
Harry
Oscar
Thomas
Jacob
Ethan
Noah
James
William
Joshua
George
Leo
Max
Henry
Alfie
Lucas
Daniel
Dylan
Finley
Alexander
Freddie
Isaac
Samuel
Joseph
Archie
Muhammad
Benjamin
Lewis
Logan
Matthew
Sebastian
Jake
Edward
Zachary
Aidan
Luke
Mason
Riley
Ryan
Elliott
Toby
Reuben
Adam
Theo
Connor
Nathan
Jayden
Liam
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Don't think I said that, I'm saying that if people live in this country they should speak the language or at least try. If people don't then I'll just rollover as that's what we're good as a country at doing now.colthe3rd said:
So you should only be allowed to live in the country if English is your first language?Braziliance said:Probably get a ban knowing how sensitive this forum can be but some of these posts are ridiculous.
It's sad that it's even a possibility that the majority of any London Borough may have English as it's second language. Just isn't acceptable.
I don't have a problem with people speaking in their own language when they visit the country, I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.0 -
Really ?
So there is no need to speak English in England because the word tea originated in ancient China.
Cool.
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No. But I am happy to admit that if I lived there, the average mathematics ability would drop!SheffieldRed said:
Are you suggesting 2% of people in Newham don't speak?Chizz said:
6. Among London Boroughs, the lowest level of English as a first language is Newham, where "only" 56.6% of people speak English as a first language. This means that, in Newham, all other first languages put together count for 41.4% of people.Plumstead_Micky said:
*43.4%
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No not really, but it is a bit annoying when you get served on a till by someone speaking English only to turn to their mates and speak in their own language, what's the need. I've got lots of friends who were not born here or their parents migrated before they were born yet they always speak English and never decide to suddenly flip between the languages when we're out.Chunes said:
But why? Are you worried they're talking about you or something?Braziliance said:I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.
I've lived in a few countries and can't say I've ever seen British expats walking around speaking the local tongue to each other. If it's all of a sudden such a cornerstone of British manners...
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It was implied from your post.Braziliance said:
Don't think I said that, I'm saying that if people live in this country they should speak the language or at least try. If people don't then I'll just rollover as that's what we're good as a country at doing now.colthe3rd said:
So you should only be allowed to live in the country if English is your first language?Braziliance said:Probably get a ban knowing how sensitive this forum can be but some of these posts are ridiculous.
It's sad that it's even a possibility that the majority of any London Borough may have English as it's second language. Just isn't acceptable.
I don't have a problem with people speaking in their own language when they visit the country, I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.
Let's use a hypothetical situation. Imagine you are off to live in another country, let's say Portugal. Before you go you learn Portuguese fluently. When there you are told you are not allowed to speak English, at all, that includes to English people you may meet and even to your own family who may have moved with you. Does that sound fair?1 - Sponsored links:
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Thanks for posting that. I can't argue with the statistics. Only 68 in my ward which explains why I wasn't aware we had such a large Nepali community. Further investigation reveals that Greenwich has the second largest Nepali community in the UK.C_A_F_C said:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/189038/response/465648/attach/html/3/RFI 06472 attachment.docx.htmlRed_in_SE8 said:Where is the Nepalese community in Greenwich mostly based? As a Greenwich borough resident I really struggle to believe that Nepalese is the second language in the borough.
The people who maintain the borough web site don't seem to be aware of this fact either.
royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/92/housing_allocations_-_registering_for_a_property/529/search_and_apply_for_a_home/2
cnsuk.org.uk/?option=articles&id=12
You can download some interesting statistics about Greenwich borough here.
royalgreenwich.gov.uk/downloads/file/67/royal_borough_of_greenwich_profile0 -
1. Every London Borough has a majority of people with English as a main language. Let's not get all Daily Mail about this. Not one London Borough has a majority of people with English as a second language. Not one. Nowhere in this city. And nowhere across the rest of the country.Braziliance said:Probably get a ban knowing how sensitive this forum can be but some of these posts are ridiculous.
It's sad that it's even a possibility that the majority of any London Borough may have English as it's second language. Just isn't acceptable.
I don't have a problem with people speaking in their own language when they visit the country, I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.
2. Why do *you* have a problem with people choosing to speak Bengali, Russian, Urdu, Japanese, Swahili, Lingala, Caribbean Creole, Akan, Persian or Welsh, if they're not talking to you? Why should it make any difference?
3. You've written: "It's sad that it's even a possibility that the majority of any London Borough may have English as it's second language". But, in English, it should be "... its second language". Hope that helps.0 -
But this survey - which prompted this thread - was based on information as to languages other than English which are spoken, that doesn't mean they can't speak English too.Braziliance said:
Don't think I said that, I'm saying that if people live in this country they should speak the language or at least try. If people don't then I'll just rollover as that's what we're good as a country at doing now.colthe3rd said:
So you should only be allowed to live in the country if English is your first language?Braziliance said:Probably get a ban knowing how sensitive this forum can be but some of these posts are ridiculous.
It's sad that it's even a possibility that the majority of any London Borough may have English as it's second language. Just isn't acceptable.
I don't have a problem with people speaking in their own language when they visit the country, I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.
Why does it bother you ? In you first post you've said "if people live in this country they should speak the language or at least try" - in your hypothetical shop example they've done just that, and addressed you in English because you can't speak another language.Braziliance said:
No not really, but it is a bit annoying when you get served on a till by someone speaking English only to turn to their mates and speak in their own language, what's the need. I've got lots of friends who were not born here or their parents migrated before they were born yet they always speak English and never decide to suddenly flip between the languages when we're out.Chunes said:
But why? Are you worried they're talking about you or something?Braziliance said:I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.
I've lived in a few countries and can't say I've ever seen British expats walking around speaking the local tongue to each other. If it's all of a sudden such a cornerstone of British manners...1 -
There are a few surprises for me there.
Lived in Havering for 12 years and have never met anyone with any ties to Lithuania.0 -
Its not really about language though is it?
These stats are just being used to highlight the immigration levels into the capital which may or may not be indicative of a huge strain on an already overburdened welfare budget.
This budget may or may not be being used in areas that some 'natives' (how far back you have to go to be a native also is down to interpretation) feel could be better used on other things or services for said natives.
So it's not really about language as nobody really gives 2 shits if you ask the guy in tescos where the milk is and he points instead of talks. Its the same old argument packaged up in a new and less than exciting fashion.
Personally I try not to worry about this, terror threats, an unsustainable housing market or the unforgiving job market and instead try and base my happiness on the next meal, beer, shag and day off just like a good pleb should.5 -
Did I say you couldn't? I'm on about the effort here. If I moved to Portugal I would have probably learned the local lingo before hand or would learn on arrival and stick to it. I'm not just saying that either.colthe3rd said:
It was implied from your post.Braziliance said:
Don't think I said that, I'm saying that if people live in this country they should speak the language or at least try. If people don't then I'll just rollover as that's what we're good as a country at doing now.colthe3rd said:
So you should only be allowed to live in the country if English is your first language?Braziliance said:Probably get a ban knowing how sensitive this forum can be but some of these posts are ridiculous.
It's sad that it's even a possibility that the majority of any London Borough may have English as it's second language. Just isn't acceptable.
I don't have a problem with people speaking in their own language when they visit the country, I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.
Let's use a hypothetical situation. Imagine you are off to live in another country, let's say Portugal. Before you go you learn Portuguese fluently. When there you are told you are not allowed to speak English, at all, that includes to English people you may meet and even to your own family who may have moved with you. Does that sound fair?
I expect people to learn English and speak English when they move here, I would never say to someone learning the language to not speak unless it's English. My point is that when people know English but choose not to speak it in England it bugs me. It also bugs me when people live here but make no effort to learn the language. If that makes sense.1 -
But how will people who don't speak English learn it unless they are taught ?PL54 said:2 -
Bit weird scanning my post for an error like that, not gonna pretend spell check messed me over. Nice observation though mate!Chizz said:
1. Every London Borough has a majority of people with English as a main language. Let's not get all Daily Mail about this. Not one London Borough has a majority of people with English as a second language. Not one. Nowhere in this city. And nowhere across the rest of the country.Braziliance said:Probably get a ban knowing how sensitive this forum can be but some of these posts are ridiculous.
It's sad that it's even a possibility that the majority of any London Borough may have English as it's second language. Just isn't acceptable.
I don't have a problem with people speaking in their own language when they visit the country, I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.
2. Why do *you* have a problem with people choosing to speak Bengali, Russian, Urdu, Japanese, Swahili, Lingala, Caribbean Creole, Akan, Persian or Welsh, if they're not talking to you? Why should it make any difference?
3. You've written: "It's sad that it's even a possibility that the majority of any London Borough may have English as it's second language". But, in English, it should be "... its second language". Hope that helps.
I have a problem cause I have a problem, I don't want the country to lose its identity, people speaking their own language in public is becoming a lot more common. Why do you think that is ok?
As for point 1 didn't you say it was 'very very far away' suggesting it's a possibility? To me that in itself is bad.0 -
Because I live in England and so do they? Why would I or they address me in any other language? Are you for real?se9addick said:
But this survey - which prompted this thread - was based on information as to languages other than English which are spoken, that doesn't mean they can't speak English too.Braziliance said:
Don't think I said that, I'm saying that if people live in this country they should speak the language or at least try. If people don't then I'll just rollover as that's what we're good as a country at doing now.colthe3rd said:
So you should only be allowed to live in the country if English is your first language?Braziliance said:Probably get a ban knowing how sensitive this forum can be but some of these posts are ridiculous.
It's sad that it's even a possibility that the majority of any London Borough may have English as it's second language. Just isn't acceptable.
I don't have a problem with people speaking in their own language when they visit the country, I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.
Why does it bother you ? In you first post you've said "if people live in this country they should speak the language or at least try" - in your hypothetical shop example they've done just that, and addressed you in English because you can't speak another language.Braziliance said:
No not really, but it is a bit annoying when you get served on a till by someone speaking English only to turn to their mates and speak in their own language, what's the need. I've got lots of friends who were not born here or their parents migrated before they were born yet they always speak English and never decide to suddenly flip between the languages when we're out.Chunes said:
But why? Are you worried they're talking about you or something?Braziliance said:I have a huge problem with people speaking in their own language when they live here if they can speak English.
I've lived in a few countries and can't say I've ever seen British expats walking around speaking the local tongue to each other. If it's all of a sudden such a cornerstone of British manners...
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