Wednesday, December 14, 2005

For many immigrants, language is the highest hurdle

Atlantic City casinos are teaching their workers to speak English. DP

PressofAtlanticCity.com: The immigrants' grammar, on display in sentences printed on the classroom marker board, was as fractured as their lives.

"I have to buy new bargain for my windows," one read.

"My supervisor is everything fussy," said another.

That sentence drew nods and smiles from the dozen casino workers gathered in the Claridge casino training room to learn English. But another offering truly captured their feelings about the government-casino partnership that's helping to train Atlantic City's new immigrant work force.

"I'm make a good deal to came here for lerning Inglish."

"What drives them into classes is not only seeking promotion or a better job," Hendrixson said. "A lot get in because their kids are in school and they cannot talk to the teacher. They have difficulty opening bank accounts or shopping in nonethnic stores.

"If you're conversant in English, you can participate in society," he said.

Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.

No comments: