I couldn't resist posting about this even though this situation has probably gotten more press than necessary.
Seems that one of the most famous steak sandwich places in Philadelphia, Geno's has posted a sign that tells it's customers that they must order in English. Now at Geno's or Pat's another steak sandwich joint just down the road, you have got to be able to order and order correctly. They have no patience for any silliness, and the lines are long so you better step and spit it out.
S0, I guess the owner got a little tired of out of towners coming in and attempting to order in their native language.
I say hats off to you Geno's. It's about time someone makes those that choose not to learn the language, even though they may be living here for quite some time, step up to the plate.
I wonder how this would go over at my sandwich shop? We don't have no-speaka-de-english types but come on. If your biggest decision of the day is if you want mayo or not, I'll trade lives with you! Geesh!
9 comments:
So, now in order to even visit the US, everyone should learn English first? There are quite a few people around here who haven't learned to speak English, mostly because English is the most confusing language to learn, added to the fact that after age 10 learning a new language is extremely difficult. Their solution is to take one of their children with them whenever they go to the doctor, shopping, or elsewhere. And as far as I can tell, because people push them away because of the language barrier, they will prefer to stick with people who speak their language instead of being ridiculed and harrassed by people who have never tried to learn another language.
I think Gino's should be permenantly shut down.
I'm sorry, that should say Geno's.
I've got to hand it to Geno's.
If you're ignorant enough to come to this country (visiting or otherwise) and expect that people will understand you, do us all a favor and stay home.
Capisca?
~m
I think you should have to order in the same language as the menu.
That might be a little harsh, considering he might lose business. I'd just suck it up and put menus in multiple languages with corresponding numbers.
No sandwich for you! Come back, one year!
Hey Bone, you could be the official language Nazi at Geno's!!!
Thanks all for the comments! I think there should be at least an attempt to order in whatever language is on the menu. I realize that we as American's are not as accomodating in speaking other languages as say Europeans are. It just gripes my butt when people who have lived here for years refuse to learn the language. I mean, you really have to work hard at that. If you are inundated with another language, you're bound to learn it, right???
Reader's, also keep in mind that Geno & his family are from Italy, so they didn't necessarily speak the language when they came here. They learned the language and now have a thriving business. If Geno can do it, so can others. Kind of ironic isn't it?
Snot, good point!
Observer, yes I comprende, however, how would one translate Cheese Wiz?? (an important ingredient in the famouse Geno's cheese steak.)
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