Are "migrants" the same as "refugees" the same as...?

[El Kabong]

They are still economic migrants though and it would be absurd to expect a short term visa holder to learn a host language. The Romans are learning English too, but I agree that there is a big difference between an illegal immigrant and an educated Western teacher.

You Brits and your classism...."those plebs needn't bother learning the language"

[Gandalf]

They are still economic migrants though and it would be absurd to expect a short term visa holder to learn a host language. The Romans are learning English too, but I agree that there is a big difference between an illegal immigrant and an educated Western teacher.

You Brits and your classism...."those plebs needn't bother learning the language"

What I am saying is someone who is very likely to be short term would be daft to invest in a language. Nothing to do with intelligence. I learned little in my 1st 3 years as I always intended to go home. Then I studied an MA for 2 years. Finally I did start to hit the language books, but never that well. Learning a language isn't so much about intelligence but more about perseverence. If you are long term though, you would be wise to learn a few tricks and I do. I don't bullshit like some though. They know a few structures and say 'Oh, I can speak the language!'. I am more realistic. I can ask things and get around but I cannot discuss politics which to me means I don't have the means to speak the language well. I have only ever self studied too as I have to work. Illegal migrants in the West get all kinds of free goodies to help them on their way. They even teach Korean in the foreign prisons here!