Yes,
American Companies that do business in Europe do employ employees who are fluent in other languages, but for the avg American it isnt as important as it is in Europe. That has a big influence on peoples interests here!

I know when I was in Europe it was important to learn the basics to German. The military even required an introductory course upon arrival in country.
They just taught things like asking directions, menus, and currencies, but without it you'd have been lost.
Once away from the military Kasernes, Germans just couldn't speak very much English. I saw the smiles you are talking about though. I know I must have sounded real funny to them when I attempted to speak their language.
Later I became pretty good at understanding them, but even though I could get by, I never did become fluent at speaking German. I felt I was right on the verge though. Lately Ive been thinking of taking a class! I can still watch an old movie where the Germans are speaking German and understand the biggest part of what they are saying.

I have to agree...

You could even be LingUal, which I believe is the right word!

I am tri-lingual.........i came here when i was 5 and couldnt speak a lick of english and me and my siblings learned english by watching tv.......it took us 6 months to completely master it.........i think its just right to learn the countries language its just a sign of respect.............if you came to my country i would accept that you at least attempt to learn but you dont have to be proficient unless you are going to live there for a long time...

Where are you from?

Just being a lingleberry

And I -am- learning other languages, just haven't focused on one yet.

Tanzania, East Africa

I beg to differ..............Americans are known for being pompous and trying to stuff their language in other countries............what are you talking about when have you went to another country and you trully spoke their language...........

OH COOOOOL!!!
I have just applied for a job there!
Without me googling, what languages do they speak there

You have to forgive them for that!
They are only transplanted Brits .. and we are exceptionally pompous

NOooooooo,,,

Come on now Fanta ... JustSayHi to Lizzie rotflmao!!!!

Oh your a Brit you are much more understanding of other cultures thats why...........wow so you applied for a job there its a fantastic country but i might be biased ha.............anyways we were colonized by the British and we speak English as well as the international language of the continent of Africa which is Swahili......its easy to speak it than to actually write it but isnt that the premise for most languages............so what did you apply to do if you dont mind me asking........

Hello Lissie!

Aha! Akuna matata! (shamelessly puts in the only Swahili phrase he knows)

Im applying for a job as a Scuba Dive Centre manager.

Im already in Africa (Egypt) and I thought it might be a nice idea to check out some of the rest of the continent! LOL

Im also awaiting notification of acceptance on an English Teacher-training course.
If I get onto that and pass, then I will be able to come back to Africa and teach "The Queen's English" in a really cute British accent

Uh the Queen's English thats right you are going to be a popular one there then..........that is all they want.....they detest my American English they think its too fast.......ha.......but wow how exciting and your in Egypt thats amazing............i have a friend who just moved to the states from Egypt and she wont stop bragging about it and it makes me jealous...........so i hope things turn out well then.........

Egypt is a fantastic country full of beautiful people.

I enjoy it very much. I wish I could travel more around the Middle East. there are so many places I want to see.

But then I found the majority of Middle Easterners very delightful.

There are 7million exceptions, but lets not go there.

I would just pass out with shock if I got this job! The diving is stunning, and my story portfolio would increase hugely!

A number of years ago (perhaps 10?), some type of welfare benefit was cut here in the state of Wisconsin that directly affected immigrants. I just caught the tail end of a news cast and can't remember what it was, because the manner of the reply of an elderly Hmong gentleman was what truly caught my attention. I can't believe that after living in the United States for SEVENTEEN years, he hadn't learned ANY English.....his granddaughter was his translator! How young do you have to be to learn at least primitive English to exist? Good Grief ~ this just blew my mind and STILL DOES!

You dont need any.

If you stay within your culture then you just move locations.
Traditions and ethnic differences remain the same, just the trees and bushes change type.

There was a story in the UK where a Pakistani guy was prosecuted for illegal driving practices.
He had been in the UK for 30 years in the east end of London (Biiiig asian area) and couldnt speak english.
So the judge ruled that he had 6 months to learn to defend himself in English, or he would go to jail.

I haven't taken the time to check out the ages/profiles of those posting on this subject and I also have Dial-up so can't watch the uTube video.....but beings that I'm 58 years old....I do remember a time when a second language was a REQUIREMENT to graduate. It was discontinued before I entered H.S.

My daughter has her B.A. in Spanish Studies and has since gotten her International certification to teach English as a Second Language. She's taught in S. Korea and most recently in Chile.

As far as having us learn a second language, there are childrens t.v. shows that are teaching Spanish and they are catching on quickly!! I went on some mission trips and we were strongly advised to learn at least...'Donde es el bano', haha

(I think we would also do well to learn at least basic sign language. I think some of the signs are universal.)