[livius]

How many other languages do you speak? And how did you learn them?

Taking an actual ESL class helps a lot. I taught ESL in New York, mostly to Poles, and it made a big difference to them. These are low income people (hotel maids, dishwashers, etc.) who often do not have their own apartment, let alone computer.

Why are you opposed to ESL classes? New York City public schools (before the days of “bilingual education”) taught generations of immigrants and their children how to speak and read English, and many, many others learned through non-school evening programs. Why don’t you want them to learn English?

[VRWCmember]

Why are you opposed to ESL classes? .... Why don’t you want them to learn English?

Just curious, was "reading comprehension" not your strongest subject on the SAT?

I am glad people wish to learn English in the US. I doubt that teaching them in ESL classes, as this article describes, is the only way.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

It shouldn't be on the taxpayers' dime.

It's good that immigrants are seeking to become fluent in English, and you do point out that there is precedent with the government helping immigrants succeed in this, but--as with other things such as foreign and domestic aid--it should be voluntary donations footing the bill; alternatively, people can volunteer to help spread the language.

[bajabaja]

Why are you opposed to ESL classes?
Where do you find that I am opposed to English classes? Please quote exactly where I say or imply that. Or withdraw your assertion.

How many other languages do you speak? And how did you learn them? I speak another language in addition to English. I taught myself by acquiring text books, listening to tapes and speaking with native speakers. You don't need a computer to do it, just enough money to buy some books and tapes. And in America anyone can make enough to purchase these items. Were you implying that I am "out of touch" with poor immigrants by asking how many languages I speak or how I learned them? I hope not, but I don't think you read my post accurately, so I will give you a gentleman's "C" and let it pass.