I have often wondered why certain people are annoyed when they call a business and are asked to press one for English. I find it remarkable that we live in a country whose businesses are so outwardly accommodating to non-English speaking customers they are willing to provide such a service.
I had traveled to St. Lucia in the Caribbean some time ago. When calling local restaurants to inquire about vegetarian food availability I was usually met with a person who spoke bits of French and English but there was never a press one for English option and my questions remained unanswered due to language barriers. I was still able to enjoy my stay and I did not starve.
Imagine how much longer we might have to wait for customer service if the press one for English option were not available. We would have to wait in line behind the non-English speaking customers as they were routed to representatives who speak their language.
I embrace all cultures and don't see myself as an American so much as I see myself as a citizen of the world.
I will gladly press one for English but wish I could press two for Spanish and three for Italian and four for French....but English is the only language I speak fluently.
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