The English language is used globally for business and for diplomacy and just for an ease of communication. Here I the United States we use English for the same reasons, it’s our common language with which we all speak to one another. Yet does speaking English make us an American? Why does speaking English not make us British? Does it show to our neighbors, peers, officials that we belong in this country? If anything I feel as though it’s our actions and diversity in other languages that make us an American rather than knowing how to only speak English. The Unites States that we have now was a result of us rebelling against English tyranny, fighting the Mexicans, and purchasing from other countries. This would mean that before the states became …show more content…
Does it prove to everyone that we speak English so that makes us an American? Why isn’t someone who fought for our country but can’t speak our language well not be consider an American? Just like Daniel Cano said in a letter written to the Los Angeles Times “When speaking of whom is an American, too many fail to take into account those men and women who offered the U.S. the ultimate sacrifice: their lives, regardless of the language they spoke.” This is something that makes so much sense on the fact that if we can’t even recognize these soldiers who fought for their country or a country they weren’t even born in yet fought for it an American than that makes us all who consider themselves an American on the basis that we know how to speak English seem like an elitist nation with no care to anyone but ourselves. It’s like Daniel also mentions as well “Equating one's American-ness with speaking English well enough to read the Declaration of Independence”. That just seems to sound as though we don’t care if you brought peace to our nation or put your life on the line for us, as long as you can’t read this piece of paper that was written in English well you are not an American. So I guess serving the country seems useless for being an American. Might as well start learning to speak English and read that piece of paper to show I’m an
In first place, having an official language has always been a huge concern to Americans, because it is ...
What makes someone an American? Do they have to be white, native English speakers? Those who immigrate to America and become a part of American culture are just as American as the old white man down the street who tells them to go back to where they came from. But, a necessary part of American life is the language; people also have the right to hold on to their cultures, just as people whose ancestors were European immigrants do. People may hold on to their language as a connection to their culture, which should not be
In this country, we live in a mix culture and a mix race. When we walk out in the street, the first thing we notice is people from different ethnicities. The United States has always been the country where we come to make our dreams come true. Yet we never forget the country we came from. The languages is one thing we do not forget about our country but we should also know the English language. In this country it is essential for a person to know 2 or more languages. Regardless of how many languages we know, we all have a language we prefer over the other.
What makes an American an American? Is it the accent, the clothing, the fact that you
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
That shows that speaking another language has absolutely nothing to do with being “less American”. Being American means living here, being part of a community as a whole and not being singled out just because in your free time you speak Spanish with your family. This is a free country and you are free to speak your native language in your free time, but know that outside of your free time many people wont understand you, and may think you are being rude if you do not speak English. Just as Marques says she does not tolerate when bilingual people start speaking Spanish and leaves out the English-only speaker, that’s an example of being rude and what not to do
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.
In my many travels outside America, I stood out like a sore thumb once I began speaking English. The foreigners I conversed with gave me double take stare mixed with amusement. When I asked what it was they find amusing, most of them says, “You’re American.” With pride and no hesitation, I nod my head yes. It is an instinctive reaction of patriotism that I consider myself an American when the question comes up. It is only when I am outside the country I realized the weight as an American on foreign land. People from around the globe are
For hundreds of years, America has been not only a country, but an idea. An idea that anyone with ambition and good values can rise up from wherever they are, come to America, and achieve success. All that was required of them back them was a command of the language and a goal. So why do we, today, demand such a steep price to be an American? The ideal American shouldn’t have to sacrifice their native language, culture, or heritage to become a part of society. Culture and language are elements of a unique identity, and they should be encouraged in today’s society: diversity is what makes America so unique. Spanish language, Japanese traditions, Chinese manners, and other aspects of foreign societies aren’t ‘un-American’; the want to sleep all
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.
What does it mean to be an American? Can this statement ever really be defined since America is a melting pot of different races, religions, political views, social views and so on and so fourth. To be an American can mean virtually anything and whether or not somebody supports national symbols is just another part of being and American. As Americans we have the right to disagree with the government, the right to protest against something unjust, the right to burn a flag in disgrace because after all we have freedom of speech. To some these things are un-American, but to others they are the reasons America is such a wonderful place to live. There is no definite answer to this question, but many different possibilities.
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.
Language is a very powerful thing. It is the way that people communicate with each other. For a foreigner living in America I think that this is essential. This is why I believe that if a foreigner only attempts to learn English, then they are already assimilating to American culture. Whether or not they choose to change their whole lifestyle into an American way of life, if they take on the English language then they are assimilating to a certain extent.
For many years, the thought of English being the official language of the United States has come with a little controversy. Some argue that English should be the official language because it is the most dominant language in the world. Some believe by doing so, it would create a stronger unity among the American people. Proponents believe that although the United States is diverse, it may be too much for the American people to juggle multiple languages. Others believe that English shouldn’t be the official language and instead be one of many prominent languages that are widely used in our nation such as Spanish, French, and Chinese. I believe English should be the official language in the United States. However, I believe more emphasis should be placed on learning new languages especially among youths in school and during developmental stages.
Also English is the language that consociate the whole World (Pike, 2013). It is important to learn English for being a global citizen - a person that can live anywhere, thrive anywhere, and speak to anyone (Pike, 2013), the more people learn English, the more people can approach to the World. That means different countries can exchange their idea, knowledge and technology by using English. English lead our country to be more developed and wealthy.