Ken,
Florida is a diverse state with residents of many different languages and dialects. I wish I had become fluent in foreign languages when I was young especially the Spanish language since there are so many spanish speaking here. Florida has permanent residents, part time residents, visitors and college students from around the globe. Many french speaking Canadians have winter homes here or they lease properties for 6 months of the year. We have refugees from Cuba, Haiti and the DR; migrant workers from Mexico and other areas who work in agriculture and move around the SE during the growing seasons.
I've always felt that since we are an English speaking country, one should learn the language if living here permanently. If I were to move to another country, even if it were only part of the year, I would consider it my duty to learn the language of that country but unfortunately many people (for whatever reason) do not consider it. Florida has truly become a melting pot with many nationalities and languages as have a few other states in the U.S.
