Country Gal, I agree with you that, unlike our differences in the racism debate in another thread, everyone should have conversational English. A nation needs to have something in common amongst its citizens. And obviously being able to communicate would greatly assist in any mutual help that might be offered and sought in an emergency.

But I would like to point out that no one so far has disagreed with this here. No one has suggested English should be replaced.

Given the limited info provided by Patricia22au, we are all just speculating, a bit unfair for the little kids who obviously would not log on to this forum. Can they actual read it anyway, Patricia might ask when she jumped to conclusion based on heresay and interesting implied assumptions (these girls wear head scarves, her post mentioned).

Also Patricia22au a medium sized dog might be big enough to scare little girls, whether they wear head scarves or not. I know a fair few adult grown-ups who have to duck and hide when a dog walks past, even when the dog has chains and month caps tied on. So maybe it really isn’t such a dramatic incident.

My point was simply ..my nephew went to see the comotion and couldn't pasify them to perhaps say ,the dog lives in that house and does it all the time(no law says it can't) don't be scared...Thats all .
Then we discussed the fact that the children didn't speak english. What happens if the dog did jump the fence in hynsight and did bite one of them ,how would he have known where they lived ,perhaps after calling an ambulance.
This is getting very deep ,but worse could happen, out by themselves..
The classes are there for all to learn if they are going to live in this english speaking country.
And if they are holidaying the parents should have been with them.

Maybe they just arrived and haven't learned yet. Learning a second language doesn't happen over night.

For example, for someone with such a love for the English language, you're making a disturbing number of basic spelling errors - maybe you could do with a refresher course yourself.

I would concur with the poster who brought up Patricia's spelling and grammar. It has been my experience that ignorance is the cause of racism.

In any case, in the many countries I have lived, the people of those countries invariably and warmly helped me to become more proficient in their language.

Given the attacks by dogs on children it would seem wise to be wary of dogs you do not know.

Wish I had more time, but there is a feeling in the writer's post that oozes intolerance and is glad to have something negatice to say about Muslims- however nonsensical the gripe is.

I would concur with the poster who brought up Patricia's spelling and grammar. It has been my experience that ignorance is the cause of racism.

In any case, in the many countries I have lived, the people of those countries invariably and warmly helped me to become more proficient in their language.

Given the attacks by dogs on children it would seem wise to be wary of dogs you do not know.

Wish I had more time, but there is a feeling in the writer's post that oozes intolerance and is glad to have something negative to say about Muslims- however nonsensical the gripe is.

The issue here was not my spelling etc.It was concern for young imigrant people who have come here to share our wealth and happiness.
So the least thing for them to do is learn to communicate with the people who are citizens here.
(My eye sight is not good ,but I guess that is no excuse is it...)