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Why english should not be the official language of the united states
The pros and cons of having English as the official language of the United States
Why english should not be the official language of the united states
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Should English Be Official?
United States is a nation accommodating multi-ethnic groups of almost 500000 Americans. Since 1960s, America has received an increasing number of newcomers and immigrants from all over the world. However, language communication has somehow become a latent problem, whether in economical, political, or social aspects. Although English has been the common language of America for over two hundred years, it has never become the official language. Therefore, question like "Does America need an official language?" has been raised and argued in recent decades. Both sides hold very strong arguments on this controversial issue. In the articles "English Should Be Official" by Bradley S. O' Leary and "Language Cements Nationhood" by Ron Saunders, two authors uphold to make English the nation's official language, while the articles "English Shouldn't Be Official" by Victor Kamber, and "Does America Need an "Official" Language" by Tuben G. Rumbaut and Alejandro Portes are opposed to this resolution. The different attitude toward common language, money, and communication are the major arguments discussed in these four articles.
The first argument is the different attitude toward "common language." Kamber, Rumbaunt and Portes all claim that there is no need to make English the official language for it has already been a common language for hundreds of years. As Kamber states, "We don't need a law formalizing what already is a fact: English is the language in which this nation's business is conducted" (216). Also, Rumbaunt and Portes point out the illusory problem that the nativist organizations propose (217). However, the affirmatives have completely different opinions. O'Leary defends that although English ha...
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...on't help" for the communication between those ethnic groups who can't speak English well will lead to a serious problem (216). For example, "the testimony of crime victims who can't yet speak English might be prohibited in court"; "police officers and doctors might be left without interpreters to protect those who don't speak English"; or it would be very difficult for schools to communicate with students' parents (217).
In these four articles, the affirmatives and negatives express their significant arguments toward this controversial issue. Apparently, it is not an easy task to decide whether or not English should become the official language of America. The upmost thing is that we should evaluate this issue more carefully from various aspects, including economy, culture, social values, politics, etc, so that the judgment could be more fair and complete.
What is the official language or the United States? 90% of the people would answer English, but guess again. The United States doesn’t have an official language. The subject of English as the official language of the United States has been covered intensively by the world press over the past decade. Declaring it the official language of United States can make an improvement in many areas, and is very relevant for future generations. Even though English-only movement has close connections to restrictionist and anti-immigration organizations. Which suggests that the 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 because making it the official language of the United States refers solely to the language of the government, not of the people, private business, classrooms, etc., and in 1990 US census reported that 97.1% of the US population speak English.
The discussion of making English the nation’s official language has sparked an ongoing debate among many individuals for several decades. As of now, the United States does not have an official language due to the diverse population. Many individuals believe that by establishing an official language, the United States is being culturally insensitive, that diversity is the key to forming America’s identity. However, establishing English as the official language would promote unity among not only American citizens but also the nation.
From the time the Pilgrims landed in this great nation at Plymouth Rock, immigrants have been culturally diverse and have spoken many languages. When the Pilgrims arrived in the New World, they did not know how to communicate with the natives. Through intense study the natives learned the Pilgrims’ language. Even with the common language they were still a melting pot of different culture. Some would say that America has gotten over the language/ cultural barriers and now almost everyone speaks the common language of English, but there are still many immigrants who do not know English. Bilingual education is put into public schools for this reason, so that immigrant children can be assimilated to English gradually. The national language should be English instead of the official language because America has prided herself in being very diverse. If we take away the diversity, then we take away the core values that America has always had since her founding.
middle of paper ... ... Our government already works in an English-speaking capacity, and of all the languages we have put forward for our country in the past, English makes the most sense overall. While providing the necessary instruction and help for non-English speaking citizens and/or immigrants, we will still be preserving the cultural heritage of early America. Works Cited Perea, Juan.
Usage of English language has its purpose, to convey meaning and understanding to a certain audience. But how does that affect one who does not speak or understand the language? People still communicate in their own Native tongues and have so for many years. With the globalization of many companies today, communication is very critical. Without effective communication, markets of today would be limited as there would be no exports or imports, etc.
For children, they cannot understand English. Without access to translations, they fall far behind in school. For adults, they are struggling with finding a job in
James Fallows, a proponents of having bilingualism in the U.S. Fallows claim that there is no need to declare English as the official language in the U.S. “because it already is that” (263). Fallows argues that English is already the most powerful language in this world, and obviously the immigrants knew that fact. Therefore, bilingual services will not reduce the incentive of immigrants to learn English. However, his argument is not fully correct. From 2000 to 2010, over 9 million immigrants came to America (Camarota). Because of this huge population of immigrants, most of the immigrants merely formed communities within their own ethnic or linguistic groups. In their communities, they can live well by speaking their native languages. Furthermore, when they are facing public problems, they have...
Mujica’s article, “Why the U.S Needs an Official Language,” the author clearly states his claim at the start of the article. Mujica illustrates the fact that English is slowly becoming the official natural language of the US even though there is no official declaration. The author uses sub-claims such as pointing out the fact that despite the multilingual nature of the American citizens many are embracing speaking English. Mujica uses examples from various sources to build up to his thesis, “given the globalization of English one might be tempted to ask why the United States would need to declare English its official language. Why organize something that is happening naturally and without government involvement?” (581)
Driving around town recently, it has been tempting to pass judgment on the intelligence of the drivers of cars with a bumper sticker that says something to the effect of 'speak American!' English, I'm tempted to say. Speak 'English.' Yet, as illustrated by Geoffrey Nunberg in 'The Persistence of English', what constitutes English isn't as simple as 'well….you speak English or you don't.' In fact, that ostensibly patriotic-as-Apple-pie attitude, as evidenced in the essay, can be traced back to America gaining it's independence. ''…when the United States first declared its independence from Britain, there was a strong sentiment for declaring that 'American,' too, should be recognized as a separate language.''
These people will not be able to rise in their employment level and will be stuck working only with their fellow immigrants. They will have to find a person who can translate their language to others and get the services, such as medical assistance, they need, very much complicating all they do. Immigrants who have learned the English language have more respect in society. They get higher positions in jobs quickly, depending on their knowledge and also they can work as language translators for other immigrants who don’t speak English. This could actually be a job category with growth. Knowing English helps immigrants feel less isolated from their new community of English-speakers. They are able to socialize, make purchases, and function daily with their neighbors, their teachers, and their colleagues at
One of the things that makes the United States of America the wonderful country that it is, is the melting pot of cultures and overall diversity. We are a country founded by immigrants, which originally formed this country after our independence from England, and even though we are a country that is diverse and divided in many ways, we share one common aspect, and that is the use of the English language. This is why legislation should be passed stating that English is the official language of the United States. While both sides of the issue offer valid points, it is very possible that the decision of placing English as the official language could be used as a middle ground between the two, whenever it comes to evaluating
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.
International students may be sent to America to study, speak, write and read in English but the chance of encountering difficulties and struggles is high. According to researchers, learning English in America especially for foreign students is a difficult decision because one may not be able to become accustomed to the environment, behavior of difference culture and the acts of other around. English learners will also encounter reading disability because one cannot read English in a short time; additionally, international students usually struggle with reading English even though one may have the knowledge of the English language. No matter how many disadvantage the English language has, the world most common language will not be extinct because jobs, education and many other parts of the world use English as a primary
Although some people believe the entire world should speak English, the reality is that all Americans should have some degree of formal education in a foreign language. Foreign language skills could have a positive impact on race relations in America. The number of minorities in America is rapidly increasing. In fact, "minority" groups will soon form a collective "majority" of the citizens of America. Considering the fact that many minority groups speak English as a second language and America has no official language, compulsory foreign language classes are viable options.
Even though there are advantages as well as disadvantages, the need for international language for communication, politics, economics and security is necessary and English is the best “language candidate” for that function. English is a language spread all over the world and it is used by millions and millions of speakers. According to my opinion, people should use English as a tool to communicate with all cultures but every country must keep their culture and language is a great part of it. In conclusion, language defines identity of a country and everyone should keep their language and explore others.