The modern workplace does not consist solely of employees whose native language is standardized English. In fact, within recent years there has been a large influx of people whose first language is Spanish. While it is not legally mandated that an employee speaks English within the workplace, it is generally left to the discretion of the employer, provided the policies do not violate equal opportunity regulations. However, employees do not necessarily have to comply, unless specifically spelled out in policy, and can speak their native tongues if they choose to. Currently, there are no (or very few) national incentives for people who do not fluently speak English, or do not have English as their primary language to do so in the workplace. This can- and often does- pose a problem, especially when dealing with a customer base (and coworkers) whose primary mode of communication relies on the fluency of English. To combat this problem, there are a number of things that a company can do so that the use of English is encouraged. This paper shall illustrate some of the techniques/tactics an employer can utilize to urge employees to converse in English. However, before these can be identified, certain current issues need to be addressed. A problem that arises is that the United States does not have a national language; therefore there are no laws that can constitutionally enforce its use. On top of this, according to Equal Opportunity employment regulations, individuals cannot be discriminated based on their national origin. People argue that this offers support to their right to speak non-English languages within a business. On the flip side, it can be argued that, in this post-911 world, people are put off when they’re aroun... ... middle of paper ... ...y would be if that person exhibited an adequate fluency with English and, to the comfort of the customers, showed a willingness to adhere to the company’s common language. In conclusion, language barriers are problems currently faced by employers in today’s economic workforce. While the United States does not have a national language, it is generally expected for an employee to speak and understand English. Some ways to solve the problems that arise from this, such as tension between English speaking employees and non-English speaking Employees or non-English speaking employees and clientele, are incentive plans or workshops. It is imperative for an employer not to blur the line between doing what is necessary and violating the rights of the nation’s citizens. While it may take time to remedy these issues, in time I believe language issues shall be resolved.
Moreover, I believe that there is a solution to this by creating an adult program for non-English speakers to help them learn English and also providing career paths for them to be able to have a good living gain at the end of the programs to be able to provide jobs for them to help feed their
America’s educational system is home to an increasing number of English language learners. Some research indicates that by the year 2030, over 40% of elementary and secondary students served by schools in the United States will come from homes where a language other than English is spoken (Thomas & Collier, 2001). In an effort to accommodate these students, the United States has adopted policies at both the federal and state levels. Generally, the direction taken to meet the needs of English language learners has depended on the climate of the nation. During times of peace and prosperity, policies reflect the nation’s tolerance of other languages and cultures. However, during times of war or conflict, policies have reflected intolerance or fear of anything deemed “un-American.”
Most illegal immigrants consider working for people who share the same nationality with them, because of language issues. When this happens, highly li...
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
Being made of diverse peoples, and being able to continue to use your own language may seem preferable as we encourage individuality and do not want anyone to disappear into the soup. This stand, however, also means that more people are needed as interpreters and that more programs and information needs to be readily available to ensure understanding. More people would have jobs associated with interpretation, whether on paper or face-to-face, in order to deal with the transition. If English was the official language, instead of just having interpreters in public places, there would be opportunities to learn the language with classes, etc. Presently, immigrants expect to have to learn some of English to get by, while the children have to learn it on their own to survive in school. With English as an official language, we would feel compelled to offer help to those we expect to learn the language. In part of Canada, where there are two languages, children are taught both languages. If we had an official language we would be responsible for insuring that everyone gets a chance to learn the language. As seen in the statutes of Section 3-3-31 of the Mississippi code, “…the purpose (of the st...
¿Comprende lo que esto significa? If your answer to, “Do you understand what this means?” is “no,” then your résumé, similar to many other non-Spanish speaking Americans just became less competitive. In time of economic hardships where the United States has “an unemployment rate above 7.8 percent,” the ability to distinguish oneself in the job market is a non-negotiable (Scherer). With an exponential increase in the Latino populace, the American workforce has been impacted profoundly. While one may feel certain that the ability to speak English in America, in conjunction with one’s education and work experience, will suffice in distinguishing oneself in the job market, this essay will argue that an English speaking monoglot is far less marketable than one who is bilingual in English and in Spanish.
The United States is made up of multiple cultures, race, and languages. Many people come from Mexico or Asian parts of the world, like China in search for a better life. One of the struggles many people have when coming from a different country is the language, in this case English. Everyone has a unique way of communicating. In the United States, after people learn English they realize they use different Englishes without knowing, in order to communicate, whether it be with parents, professors, or your own pets.
It seems that this topic has been a heated debate for the past couple of decades, which has caused some division over the issue. I learned that there are a variety of pros and cons that you can argue about this issue. I chose to be a part of the pro English side for three reasons: I believe that making English our official language (1) would allow the education system to focus on English as the primary language, (2) it would unite our country in regards to racial discrimination, and (3) our government and business operations would be a little more streamlined.
Right now, imagine a person in a future job. More than likely that person will encounter somebody speaking a language besides their native tongue. If someone would find themselves in that position, would they be prepared? There is a growing need for translators and other jobs that require a different language other than English. Demands for bilingual workers have doubled in the past five years, and employers say that job is now one of the highest requests by employers when applying for a job opportunity in the US. The Army, NYPD, and the State Department all can’t get enough workers with this important job skill (Kurtz). A second language should be mandatory in American schools because it makes employees more marketable, creates social interaction with different cultures, and increases cognitive skills.
...g and holding their traditional language. In the famous office of Congress John Fund among others legislators overturn some regulations laws. After some employees were fire for not speaking English on the job, violate the 1964 civil rights act. “a general right to be left alone, and to define one circle of intimacy; to shield intimate and personal characteristics and activities from the public gaze; to have a moment of freedom from the unmerited assault of the world and unfettered will of others in order to achieve some measure of tranquility for contemplation or other purpose, without which life loses its sweetness.”(Source CNN) New state or federal or city ordinances have adopted principles outlined. Of course, if one takes the native language of non-English people, then one would be violate the main principle of this country the right to be free no matter what.
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...
English is the common thread that binds people in this industry. But many people from different cultural background are not exposed to the language. As a result, language training is required for efficient and smooth working of the industry. National pride and cultural barriers should be overcome and that too quickly.
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.
The language barrier, which is also a difficult hurdle to encompass, serves as one of the most obvious cultural differences. A manager can delegate a task to be accomplished within a US based division and reap the expected results immediately. On the other hand, if an international manager is not familiar with the English language or culture, the same task may yield a different result. Language is the transmitter of both information and ideas. "The key to global competency is to develop the skills to cope, and that means integrating into the dominant culture and realizing how to properly interpret and analyze behavior" (Hayes, 1996). Being bilingual increases the advantage that foreign business partners have in interacting together. It nullifies the need of a third party translator. Business partners tend to be more open and receiving when communicating with bilingual personnel who speak there native language. "An understanding of the language allows the manager to pick up particular points of view, implied meanings, and other information that is not literal" (Moreno, 2006).
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language that goes to his heart.” ‒ Nelson Mandela. Since the 1960’s learning a second language has decreased by 30 percent in today’s society. People who wish to learn an additional language often do so to communicate with people who reside in different countries. With an increase in today’s globalization, it is forcing companies throughout the world to break the language barrier. However, with the advancement of technology, numerous citizens find it unnecessary to learn another language, as a translation is at the tip of their fingers. The methods of learning a foreign language can differentiate between people. Nevertheless it has been