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How does culture affect communication
The importance of learning foreign languages
Impact of cultural differences on communication
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The United States is a melting pot of cultures. There is not one universal language, and for this reason, in order to communicate with others, we need to learn the language of others. In other countries, such as Germany, London and India, it is required that students learn English as a second language in their schools. I believe that speaking a foreign language is an important skill to have because it can be helpful in so many different areas. Given the decreasing number of English speaking people who live in the United States, there should be a foreign language requirement for elementary through high schools in America.
The number of native English speakers in the United States is continuing to decline year after year. In a study done by the U.S. Census Bureau, it was found that, “Of 291.5 million people aged 5 and over, 60.6 million people spoke a language other than English at home” (Ryan 2). Since the country’s demographics are always changing, many researchers believe that this number has increased and will continue increasing. It is projected that in 2020, English will be very close to no longer being the most spoken language in the United States. In a study done by Jennifer Ortman, for the United States Census Bureau in 2011, the projections
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Sometimes knowing a foreign language can be the deciding factor of getting into a program or getting a new job. According to an article by Foreign Language Immersion Online, some advantages of learning a foreign language include: being able to meet new people, it is great for traveling, after learning one it is easier to learn another, it boosts creativity and brain power and it builds self-confidence (Wagers 1). These reasons are all obviously beneficial, and there’s no reason not to learn a foreign language, so why not just make it a requirement in all
The society will be less divided and will function better under a common language. Although English-only movement has close connections to restrictionist, anti-immigration organizations, which suggests that the English-only movement has a wider, more far-reaching, and more negative agenda than simply advocating an official English language policy, English should be the official language of United States for two main reasons: first, In 1990 US census reported that 97.1 % of the US population speak English; second and most importantly, making English the official language of the United States refers solely to the language of the government, not of the people, private business, classrooms, or more. In addition, declare English the official language of the United States would make easier business and negotiations, more people will be able to participate in democracy system, the population will have a better understanding of laws, and the diversity of languages spoken in the US will not be affect, indeed, it would have an
Not to mention, speaking English is a part of American heritage. Society should adapt to American culture and values, which means all American citizens should speak the nation’s primary language: English. If people refuse to speak and/or learn English, those individuals are rejecting American culture. America has always been extremely accepting and welcoming to all people of different backgrounds, so people should accept and adopt America’s primary language as well(Ciamarra). By establishing a common language among all people, the nation will thrive and
In recent years, large numbers of immigrants have migrated into the USA from Mexico, Philippine, Vietnam, China, and other counties. As of 2009, immigrants comprised 12.5% (38.5 million) of the total U.S. population (Batalova and Aaron par. 7). In 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau found that 50.4% of children younger than the age of one were Hispanic, black, Asian American, or belonging to other minority groups (Morello and Ted par. 2), and more than 60 million people who are 5 years old and older spoke a language other than English at home (Camille 3). Faced with the cultural diversity brought by immigrants, many nativists worry that the United States will lose the English language as an important core of a common cultural unity. With the help of organizations such as U.S. English and ProEnglish, the English-only movement is experiencing its second resurgence since the 1980’s.
According to the 2011 census, over 20.8 percent of the United States population spoke another language other than English (www.us-english.org). Language barriers, cultural differences, and immigration have been a part of life in the United States for decades. Language is considered a vital tool in the construction of someone’s identity and an expression of culture. In the last 200 years immigrants have chosen to make the United States their home, but some proceeded with caution by slowly adapting to the English language and culture.
To start, a second language should be mandatory in American schools because it makes employees more marketable.For example, 4 out of 5 new jobs in the US are created by foreign trade; therefore, foreign language is imperative for the future (Latimer). Also, when applying for a job position a person is more likely to get a job if he has previous foreign language skills because this makes him a more valuable employee to their potential
Language can bring people together but can also isolate. The United States is known as a melting pot, not only does that refer to culture but also the many different languages. We know of language barriers, but very seldom do we think of the language barriers within our borders. Even with the language barriers it solidifies the need for a national language, the United States of America should allow the freedom to express one’s culture while maintaining English as our national language, therefore offering common ground to its citizens.
The statistics of those not speaking English could lead to the idea that English is diminishing in certain sections of the United States. An example of this is shown in the article “Why the U.S. Needs an Official Languag...
Native language can also affect the acquisition of word formation of English negatively. It is commonly term as interference of the first language. According to Dulay, Burt, and Krashen (1982), interference is an automatic transfer, due to habit, of the surface structure of the first language onto the surface of the target language. Discussions on the extent of word formation in English affecting native speaker of Malay negatively will specifically touch on plurality, mainly in terms of affixes and reduplication.
It would be very boring to be around the different nationalities who all speak the same languages. By having different languages here it'll help us learn more about the person and where they're from. It can show us where it came from and learn more about the culture behind different nationalities languages. Now if we all speak the same languages we basically be different only in our nationalities than us all speaking english. Whereas if we spoke a different language it would make us be more eager to want get a better understanding of the person and they language the
Being bilingual always made my life differ as if I lived two lives, speaking Spanish at home and English everywhere outside of home. On the daily basis at my house, my family speaks Spanish. When we communicate we speak very fast, at times we can not even understand one another. After this occurs we all burst out in laughter super loud, no boundaries are enforced in our lexicon. The enforcement changes when entering a different discourse community.
Basic social skills help anyone understand that if you’re willing to leave a country, you’re willing to learn new customs. “After all, if you find yourself living in a foreign country, common sense tells you that you should be aware of that nation’s laws and customs and, yes, quickly familiarize yourself with its language.”-Phillymag.com Using this same logic, an Official language wouldn’t change much for the 79% of people who only know english in the U.S, and the 16% that speak it well. That means that 5% of people would be affected by this. The idea that we should cater to the people who are to lazy to learn. It doesn’t take that long, as Ling
English becoming the official Language of the United States is not just a controversial topic, it is necessary to keep America alive. American history and tradition is falling, and the ground on which she was founded is slowly fading. Americans must wake up to the importance of preserving the history of their culture. America is considered to be the greatest country in the world by even some who are not Americans. The “American Dream” is something people fantasize over all around the world. In order to keep the desire to be American, one must truly understand what it takes to be American. English is essential in living the American life. English should be the official language of the United States to give the people what they want, to recognize the historic role, and to limit controversy.
Bilingual/ESL Education is collective work. We need to be conscious of our collective responsibility for all of our students, and work collaboratively with colleagues and families to increase our creative power and the efficacy of our schools. I love teaching and always knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I believe a teacher is a mentor to students and contributes to their intellectual growth. Students are the future of our society and it is essential to be an effective role model and a great teacher to help students shape their future.
Experiencing those days where people would laugh at other for the broken English; the grammar and pronunciation are the toughest parts of the language. People with English as a second language always stumble upon difficulties; however, the determination of learning a new language do not decrease easily as the motivation is still surrounding one’s mind. Today, English has become an international communication; even the teaching and learning of the language has already spread throughout the world. English is known as one of the most common use language and has been offering classes everywhere for years especially around Asia; additionally, the world common language has now become the number one language uses in every fields of career that is being offer everywhere. Non-American students should be required to take English class as a second language in school
Foreign language skills can be useful in promoting American foreign interests. In a global economy, doing business abroad is paramount, but language barriers can be a burden. Opponents of a foreign language requirement in education would argue that most foreign businessmen already speak English. Admittedly, most foreign competitors do speak English, but only out of necessity. They learned to speak English in an effort to better communicate with their American counterparts and take advantage of the money making potential of doing business in America.