answersLogoWhite

0

According to my immigrant relatives, a few people (usually those who were educated) memorized some simple English words or phrases before getting on the boat. They practiced when to answer Yes or No; they could also say the name of the city they were going to, give the names of relatives who were living in the US, and tell what their occupation was in the old country. As for everyone else, there were some inspectors at Ellis Island who were bilingual, and they were able to communicate with the immigrants in their native language. There were also a small number of translators who helped the inspectors, so the interview process could be carried out.

It was not a perfect system, of course; some immigrants spoke languages that were not common, and in those cases, misunderstandings occurred. But for the most part, the immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island generally found someone who spoke enough of their language to conduct the intake and ask the basic questions.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Who is Ellis of the Ellis Island?

Until late 1954, Ellis Island was the first stop for immigrants coming to America by way of ship. Now-a-days, however, the island serves a tourist attraction, and is an excellent place to learn about America's golden age of immigration.


What is the importance of Ellis Island and angel island?

Ellis Island is important to many imigrated people, this is where most people went, and still go to, when they first enter America from Europe/Africa/those general areas.


Why do so many people poorly understand English?

Mainly because they don't learn English properly or are not around english people to learn the language.


Why do the prime ministers has to learn french?

I wish the people who speak in English would learn English!


Do Spanish people learn English like you learn Spanish?

Yes. They either learn English in school or they move to another country and have to learn it


Why do people need English?

Because they want to learn English from a native.


Write aparagraphabout some people say that english is easy to learn but difficult to answrr?

ENGLISH easy to learn


Why do people need English teachers?

Because they want to learn English from a native.


Is English language for influential people only?

No. English is available for all that can learn it.


How do the dutch learn to speak the language English?

They learn it at school, they also watch English tv and movies. Most of the Dutch people can speak it very well and they learn it because nobody else speaks Dutch in the world.


Do people in all countries learn English?

no it is not required.


Do the people of Argentina learn English in school?

Yes they do