> ...that relations with people in their native language are quite different than making them speak English..

I friend of mine noted the other day:
'She's a real bitch in French'
That kind of puts your idea in a nutshell.

'...(Americans) don't think they have to learn other languages and cultures..'

An acquaintance from the U.S. once told me:
'I like to be able to order a beer and a meal; learning anymore doesn't really interest me'
I happily chortled, pondering how lucky I am.