President of Uruguay Advises US to Become Bilingual

Uruguay’s President Jose Mujica met with President Obama at the White House recently, and suggested that the US become bilingual.

Uruguay’s President Jose Mujica met with President Obama at the White House recently, and dispensed a bit of advice.

Mujica suggested that Obama should urge US citizens to learn Spanish, and that the country become bilingual.

He pointed out that the Latin presence in the US continues to increase, as does its influence.

Uruguay’s president also noted, “We belong to a continent where our mother tongue is more or less Spanish. And we live in a time where we need to learn English -- yes or yes. And you will have to become a bilingual country -- yes or yes.”

The suggestion comes as Obama’s immigration reform bill is trying to make its way through the House of Representatives.

One of the stipulations in it is that all undocumented immigrants learn to speak English.

Overall, the two shared the sentiment that they would like to see the US and Uruguay forge a stronger bond.

President Obama also expressed his deep admiration for Mujica and his commitment to human rights.