Taxi drivers’ English

Taxi drivers’ English

Country:
USA

Source:
Dover delays English rule for cab drivers
BY MARIA ARMENTAL
DAILY RECORD
04/11/06
Copyright ©2006 dailyrecord.com


Story:
Taxi drivers in a town are required to speak sufficient English, but this provision is not being enforced yet. The authorities expect to introduce testing of drivers on practical English knowledge in emergencies and other situations.

Some argue that the English language provision might discriminate against otherwise suitably qualified drivers. And in a town where the majority of people speak Spanish, this would be an added discrimination.

Facts:
- Taxi companies need to have insurance coverage. ($500,000 liability cover)
- Taxi companies should pass the English knowledge requirement.
- a suitable English language test will be set.

Language Issue:
- why not have taxi drivers speak a second language? This makes sense if a city has international visitors. Who decides what qualifies as a second language?
- why is English still regarded as a political issue when it is clear that English is the de facto international language of communication?
- who decides what is a reasonable English language test? And would an English native speakers have to sit the language test as well?

Comments:
- can a customer demand a driver who can speak another language?
- would an English speaking customer be discriminating if they refused to ride in a cab if the driver did not speak English?

Bottom-Line:
At which point does a lack of a skill become a discrimination?