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Essay on pros and cons of making english the official language
Importance of English languages
Importance of English
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Officially English 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 …show more content…
Those who are pro-English have a few arguments that they use to support their side, like that of the social divide, and unnecessary government spending. Billions per year are spent by the United States government to facilitate the multi-lingual needs of our nation, and that amount can be cut drastically, by declaring one official language, and making all official documents solely in that language. They also argue that the divide between English and non-English speakers is a large one, socially and economically. According to studies conducted by the Journal of Population Economics, "results show that earnings increase with the English-language requirements of the occupation (Chiswick 368)". The opposing view is that of unity through diversity. They also believe that the imposing English as the official language not only discriminates against non-English speakers, but is unconstitutional entirely. It is a direct “slap in the face” of the first amendment of the constitution, freedom of speech (Rottman 1). According to Rottman, this has been especially apparent in the most recent bills that were placed on the discussion table, as these bills seek to single-out and isolate non-English speakers, in country where they should be welcomed with open
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.
Even though opposition party of English-only movement assert that it 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, because in 1990 US census reported that 97.1 % of the US population speak English. In addition, English will allow people to communicate with each other, discuss their points of view, and encourage trust, while reducing racial hostility and discrimination. Another example is that 87% of American voters want English to become the official language, because it keeps everyone learning the same language. People can still learn other languages if they want, and it will also encourage immigrants to develop the English ability necessary in this country for economic and democratic
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.
Bilingualism, a very controversial topic to debate in today’s United States. People generally define bilingualism as the ability of using two languages that individuals have. However, this is not the reason why that bilingualism becomes such a debatable issue. In this case, bilingualism is defined as the government’s use of languages other than English for public services in order to support the immigrants’ lives in the United States. People who support bilingualism want the government to continue having this kind policies. They think that bilingualism helps immigrants to assimilate into the American culture and moreover, it will unify everyone who are on this land. Although bilingualism provides some kind of benefits toward immigrants, they cannot solve the problems in the deep root. Bilingualism should not be continued in the U.S. Why? It reduces the immigrants’ incentive to learn English, threatens national unity, and costs so much.
Inhofe, James M. and Cecilia Munoz. "Should English be declared America’s national language? A nation of immigrants considers the pros and cons of giving English official status." New York Times Upfront 23 Oct. 2006: 3. Bnet. Web. 6 Dec. 2014.
English as the official language of the United States could benefit the U.S. Government and America as a whole. America has long been a multicultural nation and has been an English-speaking nation since it was founded. The constitutional and federal documents are all in English, which furthers the American people, believing English should be our official language. The majority of states already have English as their official language, for English has always provided much needed cohesion to our diverse citizens since it was founded. Being made of diverse people, 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.
As the number of states that make English their official language grows to thirty-one, the issue of enacting legislation to make English the official language has grown. In 1996, the House of Representatives passed a law to make English the official language but was stopped in the senate. Now emerging are conservative, pro-English groups like English Only who are swaying public opinion to make English an official language. Now over 20 years later the support for English as the official language has increased among American voters to an overwhelming 87% (English as an Official Language in the U.S.: Pros and Cons). However, are voters making the right choice, is making English the official language a good idea? English should not be the official
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.
There is a major controversy over whether or not Americans should learn other languages or if other countries should learn English. Some people might say that it is extremely beneficial for English-speakers to learn a foreign language. Personally, I think quite the opposite. While I understand these opposing theories’ point of view, I simply disagree. Learning another language in America is a waste of time and mostly useless. I don’t think Americans should learn another language because it is a waste of resources, other countries can learn English, and because there is little value in it.
My reason for my stance is that when citizens of another Country enter into The United States, English is a mandatory requirement. English is a mandatory requirement in order for them to receive any type of Visa to stay in this country. English is also a mandatory requirement for Citizens of another country in order for them to become an American Citizen and permanently remain in this country. English is also a language where one word can have more than one meaning, which gives us variety and the freedom to not always be perfect while communicating, but still able to express yourself in a way that is still understandable by others. English
Many people think all around the world english should be the main and only language spoken; in this case it could be argued form both sides, Yes it should and no it shouldn't. We'll start off with why it should be the only language spoken. Making English the official language would encourage new migrants to learn the language of the country they have adopted as theirs. The end goal is to unite the American people, while improving the lives of immigrants and native-born inhabitants. official English would save billions in federal spending. The direct cost of translators and bilingual education alone are billions, and many of these costs are born by local governments. In this conclusion with everyone speaking english we would save billions of dollars for many things.
Yet, for immigrants in the process of becoming American citizens, this would delay their ability to be represented in government affairs. The National Education Association, which published Official English/English Only: More Than Meets the Eye, said that the result from only having English present “is an attempt to disenfranchise minority citizens” and instead “promotes divisiveness and hostility toward those whose first language is not English”. By not having documents translated into their language, this can demonstrate that they are not welcomed and, thus, unimportant. Not native English speakers would have a greater difficulty trying to assimilate into an English-only society if they were unable to understand the written/spoken content of their everyday lives. In addition, if English becomes the national language, it would not speed up the process of learning English because there are other factors contributing to this delay.
diminishing. It is hard for the Navajo and Cherokee children to express their culture because they learn English is school and not their native language. Generations will eventually fade out, and there will be no Navajo and Cherokee people if English becomes a standard language. We need to keep their history alive, so the spread of new cultures swarms. English becoming the official language would hinder assimilation for immigrants. Being an outsider in the world is terrifying enough; immigrants should not be demanded to learn English if they do not want to. According to Chairman Mauro E. Mujica, 97% our nation speaks English. There is only a remaining 3% that do not speak English. We do not need an official language to enforce the majority of the population to speak English. If English were made the official language of the United
One of the most controversial debates in this era is the issue of national language in the United States. Although many countries have declared English as their official language, the U.S. bicameral chambers have persisted to recognize English as the official language. In his article, “In Plain English: Let’s Make It Official,” Charles Krauthammer reflects on contrasting viewpoints in our nation regarding this matter, and supports his idea that a comprehensive plan for ensuring the rights of languages should be passed by the legislative bodies. He believes that America’s great success has been the astonishing capacity for acculturation with its influence of English language, and that immigrants are more conforming to English (LEO 707). Nathan Tabor, being another proposer and the author of “Speaking English Preserves Our National Heritage”, believes that our country has become a multicultural ground for several ethnicities with different backgrounds. Throughout his essay, he strongly emphasizes that all citizens should adapt to a common culture by accepting the English language as the official gateway to success in the American society. With the reliance on these perspectives, every citizen of the United States should accept the English language, which supports the American cultural traditions, ensures the idea of the American Dream, and preserves our union.
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