English: The Official Language of the United States

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The United States is made up of many different ethic groups. These groups vary from Latinos, Asian American, African American, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and etc. These ethnic groups come into America speaking many different languages. However, many people are still surprised to learn that the United States has no official language. Many assume that English is the official language of the United States. But despite efforts over the years, the United States has no official language. Because the United States has no official language, it is suffering with large costs. These large costs will lead us on a road to wasteful government expenses, language battles that fuel ethnic resentment, and in the long run serious ethnic and linguistic separatist movements. An official English legislation is the answer to the problem. The main problem is that a multilingual government is not cheap. Today, our government makes it easy for immigrants to function in their native language. They make it easier through bilingual education, multilingual ballots and driver’s license exams, and government-funded translators in schools and hospitals (Mujica). Not only are these services expensive for American taxpayers, but it also keeps immigrants linguistically isolated. According to the 1990 Census, 13.8 percent of U.S. residents spoke some non-English at home, while 2.9 percent did not speak English at all or not well (Mount). There was a 52 percent increase in those who could not speak English in 2000 (Mujica). 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... ... middle of paper ... ...flicts. The question of whether or not the United States will acquire an official language can only be answered if and when the general public is fully informed on the situation, and the consequences of such action. Works Cited “English Language Unity Act Introduced in the 112th Congress”. U.S English, Inc. 1983. Web. 31 July 2011. . King, Robert D. “Should English Be the Law?” 1996. The Presence of Others. Comp. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruszkiewicz. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008. 90-102. Print. Mount, Steve. “Constitutional Topic: The Census.” USConstitution.net. 3 Jan. 2011. Web. 31 July 2011. . Mujica, Mauro E. “Why the U.S Needs an Official Language.” Worldandi.com. 2003. Web. 31 July 2011. .

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