Is it required for employers to train new employees?

An uncle of mine has worked as a chef at a well known restaurant for all of my life (I'm 22), but recently got a new job at another well known establishment. Problem is, on his first day, the recipes/ dishes were being shouted out at him in Italian, which he does not speak. He was never trained on the menu before being thrown in to work and he was never told knowing a little Italian was a requirement. So therefore, he had no idea what was going on and was demoted on his first day to dish washer. I personally would have just walked out, because after having 20+ years of experience he is way too overqualified. But, times are tough so he's sticking with it... My question is, are there any laws or requirements that require employers to train new employees when needed? I feel that this is really unfair because he was never told about speaking Italian or even given a pamphlet listening everything out. I would understand it better if it were more obvious that those were going to be the cirstances but honestly, it's a very Americanized Italian restaurant. Thanks in advance for any help!