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mikeytro
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taking a language to get my undergrad
#7478631 - 10/02/07 08:10 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I think its bullshit that its mandatory for a person to take 2 semesters of a language to get their degree It should only be offered for those who seriously want to learn another language I'm taking Spanish and dont really have the motivation to actually learn the language but do have the motivation to get a good grade its a fucking bitch
they need to start teaching kids a second language when they are young...its much easier
-------------------- "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." - Einstein
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RandalFlagg
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: mikeytro]
#7478677 - 10/02/07 08:29 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I totally have no interest in learning another language. It's bullshit that they force you to do that at your school.
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mikeytro
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: RandalFlagg]
#7478701 - 10/02/07 08:36 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I'm pretty sure its not just my school...I feel like a lot of universities do it
I kind of had a desire to learn spanish but since being in the class my opinion has changed too much work and I wont even retain the fucking information unless I use it...which I wont
english is basically universal...went all over europe this previous may/june and almost always could find someone who spoke english when needed
-------------------- "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." - Einstein
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bukkake


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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: mikeytro]
#7478705 - 10/02/07 08:37 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I feel the same way about my Math requirements. But I know it would be as dumb as a business/marketing major (shudder) opting out of a political science or psychology course.
I'd still want to take a course in a foreign language if it wasn't a requirement.
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Leanin
Student of theIron Game


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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: mikeytro]
#7478732 - 10/02/07 08:48 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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i got an idea, how bout foreigners learn ENGLISH, save us all a buncha bullshit.
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DieCommie


Registered: 12/11/03
Posts: 29,258
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: bukkake]
#7478737 - 10/02/07 08:50 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Im lucky, my university dropped the language requirement for my major because it required too many credits. Two years later and I would be stuck with 3 semesters of foreign language.
Quote:
I feel the same way about my Math requirements.
Whats your major, and what is the math requirement, if you dont mind me asking.
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MistaUNGA
green crack GREEN CRACK!!



Registered: 10/01/06
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Loc: Kalifornien, im Süden...
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: Leanin]
#7478738 - 10/02/07 08:50 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I'm double majoring in Spanish and German. Why the fuck should I have to take college algebra or statistics? So I know how to calculate grades once I start teaching? Oh wait, there's programs for that, AND I could do it MYSELF!
Yeah, college req's are bullshit.
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Madtowntripper said:Or just give her a cloroform soaked rag and tell her it's ether!
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DieCommie


Registered: 12/11/03
Posts: 29,258
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: MistaUNGA]
#7478755 - 10/02/07 08:55 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I believe in Liberal Arts education. I think a history major should have to take some math and science. Also a science major should have to take some history and humanities. Its better that way. If you only stay in your department, then you can get tunnel vision and lose perspective. Also having a well rounded education leads to more success in all ventures of life.
Thats said I think requiring a foreign language for a liberal arts degree is a bit much.
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skydog
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: DieCommie]
#7478762 - 10/02/07 08:58 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Taking 4 semesters of calculus should count as a language credit
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MistaUNGA
green crack GREEN CRACK!!



Registered: 10/01/06
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: DieCommie]
#7478775 - 10/02/07 09:03 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I don't get it. You say you're all for liberal arts education. Agreed. As much as I hate math, I recognize its legitimacy as a req. Same should go for languages. A math major ought to take language. Sure, maybe he'll never use it again, like I will algebra, but the effort had to be made in the first place.
And, I think language is a lot more relevant than mathematics. Sure, basic math is essential. Anything beyond simple algebra is not necessary in MOST people's lives. Language, however, is used by every non-mute person in the world, every single day. When you think inside your head, do you think 'x+2=y'? No. You think " 'x+2=y'? WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS BULLSHIT?!"
Language is IMO the most important aspect of communication. Sure everybody in Europe speaks English. What about in Mexico? That's a lot closer than Europe... What about China? More people in the world speak Chinese than anything else. Soon, that will be the language dominating all others.
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Madtowntripper said:Or just give her a cloroform soaked rag and tell her it's ether!
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bukkake


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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: DieCommie]
#7478791 - 10/02/07 09:08 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
DieCommie said:
Quote:
I feel the same way about my Math requirements.
Whats your major, and what is the math requirement, if you dont mind me asking.
I would like to major in Sociology and Spanish. "Freshman Mathematics I/II." Two Math courses specifically designed for Liberal Arts majors.
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mikeytro
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: MistaUNGA]
#7478799 - 10/02/07 09:10 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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you have a point I just dont have the desire to learn it and it annoys me...like you + math I just feel like its a waste of my time/effort/money because it just goes in my head for one night before a test and out the next..
-------------------- "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." - Einstein
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jewunit
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: mikeytro]
#7478801 - 10/02/07 09:12 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Language keeps me away from a liberal arts degree, maths keep me away from a sciences degree. I'm fucked.
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herfenara
cross dressinghobo junkie


Registered: 03/28/07
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: jewunit]
#7478815 - 10/02/07 09:15 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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theres those pimsleur language courses on torrent sites i hated learning languages in school but those courses are decent might help?
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DieCommie


Registered: 12/11/03
Posts: 29,258
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: MistaUNGA]
#7478817 - 10/02/07 09:16 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I agree with the jist of your argument, just not the specifics. I dont think foreign language is as important as you make it out to be, and I think math is more important then you do. Why do I think this? I think that the skills you should gain from learning beginning math are not the ability to actually solve some sort of equation, rather it teaches your brain how to think numerically and logically. This can be achieved in other classes like logic and physics. The skills that beginning language teaches you is not the ability to actually communicate with a foreign speaker, but the ability to frame thoughts and ideas in different perspectives and expand the tools you have to think with (anti-new speak maybe?). This can be achieved in other classes like art and philosophy. For the most part though, universities require both. I guess thats what democracy is about.. trying to please both sides (while displeasing them both at the same time )
I wouldnt mind taking two semesters of foreign language, if they cut out other requirements for my major. The way it was before they cut the foreign language they had you taking more humanities classes then classes in your major. That is taking the liberal arts idea too far. (left wing indoctrination by shoving 'sins of the white man' classes down my throat, imo.) Two semesters of an annoying class isnt too much to ask.
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Taking 4 semesters of calculus should count as a language credit 
Damm dude, 4 semesters? Did you take an advanced calc proof class? Or is the normal thing to take 4 semesters? At every school in the states I have heard of the norm is 3 semesters of calc (and diff eqs , linear algebra).
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jewunit
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: herfenara]
#7478820 - 10/02/07 09:16 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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If I don't want to learn a language and get a grade for it, what makes you think I want to learn a language and not get a grade for it?
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herfenara
cross dressinghobo junkie


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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: jewunit]
#7478837 - 10/02/07 09:19 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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if learning a language was easier it wouldnt be as much of a problem itd help u get the grade duh
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skydog
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: DieCommie]
#7478855 - 10/02/07 09:22 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
DieCommie said:
Quote:
Taking 4 semesters of calculus should count as a language credit 
Damm dude, 4 semesters? Did you take an advanced calc proof class? Or is the normal thing to take 4 semesters? At every school in the states I have heard of the norm is 3 semesters of calc (and diff eqs , linear algebra).
Yeah that's what I meant... three calcs and diff EQ. Also, yeah the linear algebra class would be good to take too, but optional.
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bukkake


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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: jewunit]
#7478856 - 10/02/07 09:23 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Two elementary language courses aren't going to make anyone walk out and be able to assimilate into Mexico. Even if you don't understand it people still usually pass (B, C) with effort. The same is true for math.
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RandalFlagg
Stranger

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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: bukkake]
#7478861 - 10/02/07 09:25 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I'd rather just post on the Shroomery than deal with all of this college bullshit again.
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DieCommie


Registered: 12/11/03
Posts: 29,258
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: bukkake]
#7478874 - 10/02/07 09:28 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
bukkake said: Two elementary language courses aren't going to make anyone walk out and be able to assimilate into Mexico. Even if you don't understand it people still usually pass (B, C) with effort. The same is true for math.
Exactly. The point of making non-maths people take math and non-language people to take language is not to make them proficient in the subject so they can use it. Its to force them to confront a subject they do not take to naturally and thereby acquire new methods of learning and thought. The more I think about it, the more I am convincing myself (uh-oh )... basic language and basic algebra should be required for any liberal arts degree.
Maybe Ill change my mind tomorrow
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jewunit
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: bukkake]
#7478880 - 10/02/07 09:29 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
bukkake said: Two elementary language courses aren't going to make anyone walk out and be able to assimilate into Mexico. Even if you don't understand it people still usually pass (B, C) with effort. The same is true for math.
The same is true of anything. Shit, a little bit of effort should get an A every time. The thing is I find both of them extremely frustrating and annoying.
As to downloading Rosetta Stone or something similar: It's not about the difficulty, it's about the desire. As is the case for everything in life.
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mikeytro
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: jewunit]
#7478893 - 10/02/07 09:31 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
jewunit said:
Quote:
bukkake said: Two elementary language courses aren't going to make anyone walk out and be able to assimilate into Mexico. Even if you don't understand it people still usually pass (B, C) with effort. The same is true for math.
The same is true of anything. Shit, a little bit of effort should get an A every time. The thing is I find both of them extremely frustrating and annoying.
As to downloading Rosetta Stone or something similar: It's not about the difficulty, it's about the desire. As is the case for everything in life.
amen
-------------------- "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." - Einstein
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forbiddendonut
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: mikeytro]
#7478904 - 10/02/07 09:35 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Public universities tend to have a lot of general education course requirements. Taking non-essential (for your degree) courses in private schools isn't as common, which is why it seems like many of the people I know at public universities take more than four years to graduate, because of all the bullshit prereqs that they have to take. But yeah, I had to take three French classes, it sucked. Summer school is your friend when you need to take the sort of classes that you're not strong in.
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What's a shroom?
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jewunit
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: forbiddendonut]
#7478910 - 10/02/07 09:37 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I'd prefer just to drop out.
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mikeytro
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: forbiddendonut]
#7478919 - 10/02/07 09:40 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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my sister goes to a private school (depaul) and she had to take 2 semesters of a language but she definitely had wayyy less prereqs than I do I feel like you pseudo pay for your grades in those kinda schools
-------------------- "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." - Einstein
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aDoS
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: mikeytro]
#7478937 - 10/02/07 09:46 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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In california you actually have to take 2 years of foreign language to get into any public college. Then to get your college degree you need more foreign language. Its pretty bullshit
-------------------- "If we could sniff or swallow something that would, for five or six hours each day, abolish our solitude as individuals, atone us with our fellows in a glowing exaltation of affection and make life in all its aspects seem not only worth living, but divinely beautiful and significant, and if this heavenly, world-transfiguring drug were of such a kind that we could wake up next morning with a clear head and an undamaged constitution - then, it seems to me, all our problems (and not merely the one small problem of discovering a novel pleasure) would be wholly solved and earth would become paradise." - Aldous Huxley GIVE ME OPIATES OR GIVE ME DEATH
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mikeytro
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: aDoS]
#7478946 - 10/02/07 09:48 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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same in Illinois...had to take 2 years of Italian in highschool and now I decided to take Spanish because I didnt learn any Italian and its more practical yet I constantly combine the languages into incoherent nonsense
-------------------- "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." - Einstein
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wps
Well-PaidScientist


Registered: 09/22/07
Posts: 579
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: mikeytro]
#7478972 - 10/02/07 09:55 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
mikeytro said: I think its bullshit that its mandatory for a person to take 2 semesters of a language to get their degree
I think its bullshit that dumbass Americans are too lazy to learn a second language when the rest of the world's inhabitants generally speak 2 or 3 languages.
go to europe, they speak everything at age 5.
-------------------- "America touts itself as the land of the free, but the number one freedom that you and I have is the freedom to enter into a subservient role in the workplace. Once you exercise this freedom you've lost all control over what you do, what is produced, and how it is produced. And in the end, the product doesn't belong to you. The only way you can avoid bosses and jobs is if you don't care about making a living. Which leads to the second freedom: the freedom to starve." - Tom Morello
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jewunit
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: mikeytro]
#7478978 - 10/02/07 09:56 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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In New York you have to take a language in high school. We were also told if you took 4 years and did well enough on the regents you wouldn't have to take any in college. Then all my friends who went to a SUNY school found out that wasn't true. Good thing, I woulda been fucking pissed, I aced that damn test.
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DieCommie


Registered: 12/11/03
Posts: 29,258
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: wps]
#7478984 - 10/02/07 09:57 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
wps said:I think its bullshit that dumbass Americans are too lazy to learn a second language when the rest of the world's inhabitants generally speak 2 or 3 languages.
go to europe, they speak everything at age 5.
Thats blatantly not true. Most people in the world do not speak 2 or 3 languages.
And why is europe somehow the example we must look up too?
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mikeytro
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: wps]
#7478992 - 10/02/07 09:59 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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its my prerogative and if you read what I said, I stated that they should teach children when they were young because its 100x easier and that I went to europe stating that I could always find someone who spoke english
I really dont feel like learning a new language at the age of 20 + with english you can get by in a lot of places in the world with it no real reason
-------------------- "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." - Einstein
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jewunit
Brutal!

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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: DieCommie]
#7478993 - 10/02/07 09:59 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Probably because he's European. Everyone seems to have some fucking annoying concept that they must think and prove that their country is the tits and better than everyone else's. I don't see why it matters, you didn't fucking choose to get born there.
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RandalFlagg
Stranger

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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: wps]
#7479066 - 10/02/07 10:16 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
wps said: I think its bullshit that dumbass Americans are too lazy to learn a second language when the rest of the world's inhabitants generally speak 2 or 3 languages.
Man...they all just need to learn English. I'm too fucking lazy to try to decipher jibberish.
P.S. Nice Dead Kennedys reference with your nickname.
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wps
Well-PaidScientist


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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: jewunit]
#7479159 - 10/02/07 10:41 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
jewunit said: Probably because he's European. Everyone seems to have some fucking annoying concept that they must think and prove that their country is the tits and better than everyone else's. I don't see why it matters, you didn't fucking choose to get born there.
no, actually I'm American and I think my country sucks balls.
and I think that at least in Europe they respect other people's cultures.
unlike here, where even in the most liberal of all venues you see a bunch of hillbilly retards saying:
"Ah thank ever-one shud speak anglish cuz Ah'm too dumb fo them fancy book lurnins"
yeah fuck everyone else's culture, America is all that matters.
-------------------- "America touts itself as the land of the free, but the number one freedom that you and I have is the freedom to enter into a subservient role in the workplace. Once you exercise this freedom you've lost all control over what you do, what is produced, and how it is produced. And in the end, the product doesn't belong to you. The only way you can avoid bosses and jobs is if you don't care about making a living. Which leads to the second freedom: the freedom to starve." - Tom Morello
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jewunit
Brutal!

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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: wps]
#7479169 - 10/02/07 10:43 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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You honestly think there aren't tons and tons of people like that in every nation?
I'm going to end my side of the argument there, it really doesn't have anything to do with the topic.
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RandalFlagg
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: wps]
#7479305 - 10/02/07 11:25 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
wps said: yeah fuck everyone else's culture, America is all that matters.

There's nothing good about foreigners except for foreign beer.
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blkjkrabbit

Registered: 07/22/07
Posts: 4,971
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: RandalFlagg]
#7479370 - 10/02/07 11:49 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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last time i was in europe i was very impressed, it seemed like every other person immediately knew i was a foreigner and dropped right into english. i surprised them back and spoke some german and french though 
here's my 2 cents; college is where you stop taking classes you don't want to take - that shit should end in high school. no one cares about being well rounded anymore so they may as well not force people to pay for shit they don't care about and will likely forget anyways [2 semesters of language classes is usually forgotten pretty quickly]. with that said, i love learning other languages - it's a good way to tell people you respect/admire their culture [which is only good if you really do]. I always thought if I was in another country and couldn't speak the language, my chances of banging a foreign girl were slim to none, but if I knew SOME of the language, then the possiblitiy of hittin some foreign pussy has definitely improved
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blkjkrabbit

Registered: 07/22/07
Posts: 4,971
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: blkjkrabbit]
#7479376 - 10/02/07 11:51 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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plus...european girls are just fuckin hot.
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bukkake


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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: blkjkrabbit]
#7479812 - 10/03/07 06:00 AM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
DieCommie said: And why is europe somehow the example we must look up too?
Europe has better everything. Better education, social norms, health care, eating habits, alcohol, women.
Quote:
college is where you stop taking classes you don't want to take - that shit should end in high school. no one cares about being well rounded anymore so they may as well not force people to pay for shit they don't care about and will likely forget anyways [2 semesters of language classes is usually forgotten pretty quickly].
I think it's supposed to make it tougher to get a Bachelor's degree. It's already easy enough to do so, but if there wasn't some hint of difficulty and all you had to take were classes you enjoy, every asshole in America would do it. Two semesters of a language is going to be forgotten but you should still be able to remember the basics.
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badchad
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Re: taking a language to get my undergrad [Re: jewunit]
#7479880 - 10/03/07 07:10 AM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
jewunit said: In New York you have to take a language in high school. We were also told if you took 4 years and did well enough on the regents you wouldn't have to take any in college. Then all my friends who went to a SUNY school found out that wasn't true.
Really? I went through the NY education system, and never took a language in college. I wish I had though.
-------------------- ...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge. It is an indellible experience; it is forever known. I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did. Smith, P. Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27. ...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely. Osmond, H. Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436
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