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.”
¿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.
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.
The ongoing debate across our great and diverse nation is whether there should be enacted into law an official native tongue: that being English. Throughout the world, the United States has been viewed throughout its existence as a nation to be a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities unlike any seen before. Since the time of the settlers, one could take notice quite easily the German Jagerhaus, the British Pubs, as well as the Italian eateries- each flared with a distinct flavor and language. This vast difference seen is what makes America unique. Up until the very recent future, it was unheard of anywhere but our great land to be able to sit in a classroom and have classmates from Asia, Europe, Africa, The Middle East and Latin America. This great blend of society continues to advance our perceptions of the world as well as hone in on the principle that it is okay to be distinctive. What purpose, then, would having a law in place requiring one to utilize a certain language?
...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 author of the article “Low-Skilled Immigrants and the Changing American Labor Market” writes, “The occupations that are growing involve contact with the public. Immigrants lack of English fluency very low levels of education, and at times lack of legal documentation hinder their ability to occupy these positions” (Low-Skilled Immigrants and the Changing American Labor Market). With this statement, the author is foreseeing that most of future jobs will require the knowledge of fluent English because communication will be necessary to be in contact with the public. This relates to my thesis because this is one of the many struggles that immigrants are facing today. Their language barriers affect their ability to get a job.
Immigrants live complicated lives as they adapt to new communities and new language while coming to America. Language barrier has a major effect on the lives of our immigrants and those who are acquiring English as their second language. Language barrier is a barrier to communication resulting from speaking different languages. The immigration population in the United States is growing rapidly. For many immigrants English is not their first language. In America, English is the main spoken language. People who are acquiring English as their second language are expected to embrace English along with customs and culture while at the same time holding on to the language and culture they first began with. However, language discrimination is a major
The major reason people immigrate to the United Sates is because it’s a free country and it’s a land of opportunity. Having language enforcement contradicts this feeling of freedom and opportunity.
"By emphasizing the importance of a common language, we safeguard a proud legacy and help to ensure that America's future will be as great as her past." Ronald Reagan described it best. A vital part of any culture is language. Without language, there would be no communication, no conversation, no debate. I believe when immigrants come to America, a crucial part of their acceptance is whether or not they know the English language. In a census done by the US Census Bureau in 2011, it showed that 79% of the population speaks only English at home while only 21% spoke a language other than English at home. Meanwhile, of that 21%, 58.2% spoke English very well (Ryan). This shows how vital the English language is to American culture and how it is imperative for English to be a requirement for immigrants when they come to America. Not only when people immigrate here, but to other countries as well, I believe that it is, in some ways, a common courtesy to learn the native language. In comparison to other countries you can immigrate to, America is one of the best. America
Not being able to communicate using the English language is preventing immigrants to find a better paying job, which in the first place is one of the reasons why they moved to the US. Not only that, but children that are not yet proficient in English are falling behind in school. This is where Bilingual, and English immersion program...
In this week class we discussed how language affects intercultural business communication. We understand the barriers connected with language in different cultures, written and spoken communication. In doing international business, it is crucial that we speak and understand the common language. English is the universal language for business (Chaney & Martin, 2014). Without this shared language people will have difficulties comprehending messages. It is always a fun class discussion whenever we talk about different languages especially when we give funny examples in translating words from other language to English like “Because you are dangerous you must not enter,” “Please do not empty your dog here.” It is a very good reminder that it is important
Some people do not have the desire to learn English, particularly those who do not use it in their daily lives and business. This situation often occurs where English is regarded as a foreign language.
As a child, I wished to never see anyone else struggle with a language barrier because they could not afford classes or education. Due to this past experience, I understand how scrimmaging it is to grasp another language, and I also fathom the advantage that exists for those who speak and comprehend the sublime language that is called English. There are various job opportunities for those who can speak in English in a non-English speaking country. Especially in third world countries where children cannot afford to advance and persist their
Most of the people are now using English as a language for their national and international communications. At present, English has earned the status of “official language” and “language of administration”, the “language of lawsuit”, and the “language of education” in many of the countries where English is being used as a second language (Crystal, 1997).