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[–]CandyUwU 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (1 child)

because there isn't an "American" race

Yep. America is home to people of many ethnicities. As a result, Americans do not equate nationality with race/ethnicity.

For the sake of the argument, let's point to the largest ethnicity in America. The majority of Americans are ethnically white, with the European origin. I think the reason they do not learn other languages to this extent must be lack of motivation, and not genes themselves.

There may be an element of racism sometimes, especially among the white supremacists. Discrimination would creep in to their behaviors, and they would not bother with other languages.

I'm asian, and asian families tend to be strict, being highly invested in ensuring the success of each member, even if it's something as small as learning other languages, e.g. the English language.

If American families were as strict, pushing each other to learn other languages, America would be very different for sure!

[–]Vulptex[S] 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

lack of motivation

I've learned the hard way that contrary to pop culture success is 1% motivation and 99% talent. Even Americans who live in other countries for decades can't speak the language, at least not well. Definitely not easily at the native level.