Recently in class we discussed how the LPGA tour was making it mandatory that all players learn the English language. This got me to thinking about other sports too. Like someone mentioned in class Hideki Matsui who won the World Series MVP, yet he could not speak English and needed a translator. He has been in the league for 6 going on 7 years now and still does not speak English. To me this does not bother me as much, as long as his/her teammates can communicate with them and do not have a problem with it. I remember when Bartolo Colon pitched for the Cleveland Indians and it was rumored that he was not even attempting to learn the English language, but he was a successful pitcher with us, and it did not seem to bother his teammates. Another good point that Pedro Martinez brought up is that for one Japanese player they receive a translator and such, while players from the Dominican and
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Language in Sport
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Brandon,
ReplyDeleteI just think that is a player from another country comes here to play a sport they obviously have to deal with the media and fans. If they are making all that money they should be required to learn our language so their communication with their teammates or the media can be easier.
Brandon,
ReplyDeleteI must say I totally agree with you. I think its ridiculous for the LPGA or the MLB, or anyone else, to require playeres to learn English. Before Hideki Matsui came to the MLB he had a very successful career in Japan. He chose to come here to compete with the best competition and for the greatest prize in professional baseball. Its the same reason why athletes come from all around the world to compete in professional sports here in the United States. Whether people agree with me or not, I feel like language requirements are an act of discrimination. They are directed at people who do not conform to the American way of life, and in the case of the LPGA, only became an issue because of the success of those people.
For a league to encourage learning the English language, and requiring it, are too different things. If a player chooses not to learn the English language than the league should provide them a translator, if they feel their inability to communicate is hurting the league.
I agree with you. I think it is crazy that professional golf is trying to make it mandatory for their athletes to speak English. Like you said, in baseball a lot of the players are from outside of America. I do disagree with you though on one point. I think while playing in the league for so many years, one should try and learn the English language because it would benefit them. They would now be open to more things like press conferences and new business. I still don't think anyone should mandate it though.
ReplyDeleteI am also going to have to agree.. If an athlete from other country comes to America to play sports they need to learn English. They are going to be dealing with English where ever they go and whatever they do. It is simple... Anyone who cannot speak English in America are at a disadvantage!
ReplyDeleteI agree but to an extent, they should be able to communicate with the fans or sponsors, but if their team has no problem with it, it should not be an issue. If they want players to learn the language they should have some sort of system in place to help them and punishments should not be things that take away from their ability to participate. It is a tricky situation and one in the future we will have to deal with.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I find it to be very disrespectful for foreign players to come over to the U.S. to play but are not willing to learn english. I respect Yao Ming because he came over here speaking no english and now he speaks it pretty well in my opinion. Players like Matsui who has been over here for at least 5 years and still has to use a translator is a bunch of crap to me. He's being paid millions and has the ability to get the best speech teachers in the world and he just refuses. We accepted them into our culture so why cant they accept us in theirs.
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