Preview

Why English Should Be The Official Language Essay

Satisfactory Essays
Open Document
Open Document
357 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Why English Should Be The Official Language Essay
America is known to be a melting pot which indicates that citizens here are all creative and different. “Nearly everyone is the product of immigration. With the exception of those who can claim Native American ancestry, everyone else in America is the Product of foreigners” as said by Natally Kelly, a veteran translator. Possessing an official language in a large diversify country would affect everybody living in it.
America is a country well-known for its multicultural population. Having a variety of culture, nations and people around the world cope up to this country in hope of having bigger opportunities. When you consider having one language you restrict on a lot of things, people would think it would be illegal to have their own culture …show more content…
The country is united by the different culture that molds them. It would decrease the number of immigrants but increase on the number of hate crimes. People with limited english would be discriminated and may lead to terror attacks. In addition, United States of America is also known as the land of the free and the land of opportunity. Wouldn’t making English as the official language of this country takes away the opportunity?
English-only proponents stated that it would save a lot of money. In the article ‘Why English should be the official language of the United States’ by Brandon Brice said that the direct cost of translators alone are billions, and having English an official language would save a great amount in federal spending. However, the fund for English is the Second Language (ESL) classes are undercapitalized. The government would not be able to support the incoming millions of limited-English proficient immigrants.
In conclusion, having multiple language is what makes America a great country. The United States is a home to hundreds of millions of people and their unnumbered cultural traditions, a home of immigrants. Language is a matter that is difficult to control and restrict. Thus, we should let the people do what they do, and leave it as it
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Aria Memoir Of A Bilingual Childhood Summary
    • 569 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Aria Memoir Of A Bilingual Childhood Summary

    For as long as the United States has been a country, there has been controversy over establishing English as the official language. Even the idolized US President Theodore Roosevelt had a firm belief the US has “room for but one language in this country and that is the English language”. In a 2010 poll conducted by Rasmussen, eighty-seven percent of American voters said they would support making English the official language. Immigrants would also benefit from establishing English as the national language, because after learning English they would be able to actively participate in the democratic system employed throughout the US. Although the United States is a notorious melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, language should be legislated, because having multiple languages spoken in the public isolates minorities.…

    • 569 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    In Plain English Let's Make It Official Summary
    • 514 Words
    • 3 Pages

    In Plain English Let's Make It Official Summary

    For two centuries, the U.S has the greatest success because of “the acquisition of English” (Krauthammer 112). Before the great immigration (many different type of races immigrated to the U.S), English had been a dominating language, but since the great immigration, it was no longer the dominating language. The Senate could not declare English as an official language. They only passed an amendment declaring English as the national language. (Krauthammer 112). Even the Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid called that action “racist” (Krauthammer 112). His second argument is it is fine generally if only a small group of people speak their own language but when this group expands, the problem appears. The U.S has been accepting immigrants who speak their mother languages since the great immigration. For example, Brooklyn has different kinds of people speaking varieties of languages; it is still fine when they are only small groups. People can speak their own language in the street and “proudly teach it to [their] kids” (Krauthammer 112). However, all of that will change when the groups expand, more people speak their own languages and they may want the official recognition similarly to French people in Canada. Therefore, the U.S. probably has the same problems as…

    • 514 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Rhetorical Analysis Of Life As We Know It
    • 589 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Rhetorical Analysis Of Life As We Know It

    In some eyes, linguistic diversity in the United States is a good thing, but in my opinion an English-only legislation would be most ideal. Not only does it create a national language for America, but it…

    • 589 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Short Story 'The Chinese In All Of Us' By Richard Rodriguez
    • 899 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Short Story 'The Chinese In All Of Us' By Richard Rodriguez

    Language has a profound effect on ethnic diversity (perhaps the most influential). According to the Wikipedia’s 2009 survey of languages in the United States, America speaks a total of three hundred and thirty seven different languages. These spoken languages are divided into percentages as follows: eighty percent English, twelve point four percent Spanish, three point seven percent Indo-European, three percent Asian and Pacific Islander, and the other category consists of point nine percent. Americans are becoming more and more bilingual as our society accepts new immigrants with new ideas, values, traditions, and cultures that shape and mold our…

    • 899 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Why the Us Does Not Have an Official Language Essay Example
    • 403 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Why the Us Does Not Have an Official Language Essay Example

    Why the United States does not have an official language has been an ongoing debate for a long time. A lot of people are for it and a lot of people are against it. While conducting my research I learned that if the United States made English the official language of the country it would be going against the first amendment, Freedom of speech. Regardless of going against the constitution 27 states have made English their official language. Why is it so important to so many people that the United States have an official language? Would it aid immigrants in the assimilation process and make it more likely for them to succeed? Can other languages be used in the country for certain official purposes, if English is the sole official language? Does official English offend the idea of American diversity? Does it discriminate against non-native speakers? Does an adequate incentive exist to learn English without it being official? Is there anything wrong with the status quo? Do most countries in the world have an official language? Is it important for any tangible and practical reasons? Do English only laws threaten or enhance public safety? Is official English good public policy? (Debate 2010) These are questions that rise in everyone’s mind when the topic of designating an official language in the US comes up.…

    • 403 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    English Only Debate Paper Essay Example
    • 833 Words
    • 4 Pages

    English Only Debate Paper Essay Example

    The English only movement has many pros that will greatly help the United States. If English is made the official language of the United States it will unite the people with a common language rather then divide by not understanding one another, it will allow people to feel comfortable in the workplace, and encourage immigrant workers to learn English. By making English the official language does not mean “English Only” it simply means that for the government to act officially and effectively the default language should be English which would mean that no one would have the right to demand government activities or records in any other language (Wilson, 2009). I personally feel that this would be a great idea simply because in order for the government to communicate there must be one official language. By making English the official language does not mean that cultural diversity is not accepted in the United States or that no one can speak their cultural background language it just means that in order for all government officials to be on the same page of communication, a common language must be established. Making English the official language would not prohibit the government from using other languages when there is reason for doing so, such as legitimate common sense needs (Wilson, 2009). I feel this would be great idea because then there would be no miscommunication or misunderstanding on anyone part due to language barriers.…

    • 833 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Why and When We Speak Spanish in Public by Myriam Marquez
    • 871 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Why and When We Speak Spanish in Public by Myriam Marquez

    In today’s society, there are over thousands of different languages or dialects speak around the world. And because America is such a diverse country with many individuals capable of speaking two or more languages, they tend to forget the importance of speaking English in America. As an American living in America, it’s not important whether they speak English or not, but what’s important is which language they choose to represent themselves freely.…

    • 871 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Argumentive Essay Eng 102 Final
    • 859 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Argumentive Essay Eng 102 Final

    America is a wonderful country that holds a distinctive quality and that is the acceptance of people from different ethnicities and race to form part of America. Numerous Polls have consistently proved that most Americans believe immigrants who are in the United States illegally should be granted legal status if they take the steps of learning English. This is understandable and should be reinforced. What can't be fair is forcing all immigrants to learn English regardless of their goals in this country. It is great that the United States has no official language. It is a much better idea to allow immigrants to choose whether they want to become legal citizens or not.…

    • 859 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Should English Be the Official Language of the United States Essay Example
    • 2679 Words
    • 11 Pages

    Should English Be the Official Language of the United States Essay Example

    Supporters of the policy to make English the national language feel that previous generations of immigrants understood that learning English was the catalyst for social integration and economic mobility. It is also what aided immigrants from widely different origins to “melt” into Americans (Critin, Reingold, Walters, & Green, 1990). They also argue that both historical experience and common sense teach that linguistic diversity threatens political cohesion and stability. As written in U.S. News & World Report, “English-only advocates, whose ranks include recent immigrants and social liberals, believe…

    • 2679 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    English as a Common Ground
    • 673 Words
    • 3 Pages

    English as a Common Ground

    English as a common ground is so that Americans can understand what is being spoken to each other. Americans should be able to communicate and read any material out in this country without wondering what is being said. Foreigners or non-English speaking citizens are increasingly becoming more segregated, creating poverty- stricken areas. The creation of these areas is due to the language barrier (US-English, 2012). Americans who speak English can find it insulting when other begins to speak to them in another language. Majority of the states have English as their official language. So when a foreigner begins to speak another language or attempt to communicate in English, it could be found offensive because if the same person were to go to their country, it would offensive if you did not speak their language. When living or visiting the United States, it would be safe to assume that everyone spoke English if it were the official language. No one would be insulted, nor would an individual find it hard to communicate with another. Making English the official language of the United States means that the government will be conducting everything solely in English. This includes all public documents, records, legislation and regulations, as well as hearings, official ceremonies and public meetings (US-English, 2012). “This means that everything will be conducted in the English language and that no one will have the right to demand government services in any other language” (ProEnglish, 1994). The government cost of multilingualism is in the hundreds of million dollars. Companies have to spend about 15 to 20 percent of production cost to use in translation services (CalRecycle, 1995). For example, Hospitals have to pay for translators to those who do not speak English. Translators in California are paid $45 to $50 an hour! While…

    • 673 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    English, the Official Language in the U. S.
    • 1624 Words
    • 7 Pages

    English, the Official Language in the U. S.

    The researcher stated that English is now the official language in the United States. There are documents that discuss the importance of an official language in America, which supports this statement. In this research there are further details about English as the Official Language in the U. S. and how language can unite people in society, it can be universal as a language, and it also shows that it has the tendency be a challenge, for other cultures to learn as a second language. There should be a way for everyone to co-exist and to function as one nation under God in America. Language is the substance for people to communicate with one another and to co-exist freely.…

    • 1624 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    English Only Debate Research Paper
    • 1220 Words
    • 5 Pages

    English Only Debate Research Paper

    The English only debate has been an ongoing deliberation for many decades in the United States. Questions from political parties, legislators, and common people have been a hot topic on the English only subject and what they believe would be best for the nation (Echevarria, Vogt, & Short, 2008). Would having English as the national language of the United State unify the nation or would it tear it apart? Would it be politically correct? Would it be fair? Would it cause segregation? Would it be a security threat? These are just some of the questions that…

    • 1220 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Should English Be Considered The Official Language Of The United States?
    • 811 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Should English Be Considered The Official Language Of The United States?

    In the 1700’s by recognizing the historical fact, the United States has been an overwhelmingly English speaking nation since it was created and that its constitution and foundational documents are in English. Americans value and respect diversity, they want to preserve English as their common language and therefore immigrants have the responsibility to learn English. Theodore Roosevelt once said “We have one language here, and that is English language, and we intend to see that the (assimilation) crucible turns our people into Americans”. English is the common language spoken here in the United States and there are also multiple languages that are being used due to the immigrants and colonists from all around the world. Some businesses on the other parts of the world have made English as their official language and we are behind on making English the official language. In March, 2011 Two Republican law makers Congressman Steve King from Iowa and Senator Jim Inhofe from Oklahoma, introduced the English Language Unity Act of 2011, a bill that requires that all official United States government functions be conducted in English. The bill would also establish a uniform language requirement for naturalization and oblige federal government officials to encourage people to learn English. More…

    • 811 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    English Should Be The Official Language Of The United States
    • 103 Words
    • 1 Page

    English Should Be The Official Language Of The United States

    I feel that English should be the official language of the United States. Though as I read on some of the articles I understand that there are pros and cons to the factor. Though today in the United States most of our country already speaks English. Which is a factor because more people can communicate with one another if they know English as their language. Other pros that I have read and agreed on is the fact if English was the official language that it would save the government a lot of money for printing other text and materials in a different language.…

    • 103 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    English Only Debate
    • 1059 Words
    • 5 Pages

    English Only Debate

    America, we have a cultural diversity that is unlike any other in the entire world, people from every country in the world come to our borders wanting to start over with a better life, live the “American Dream”. And because of this our nation has turned into a giant melting pot of all different types of cultures, races, religions, and one of the most important, languages. Language is the main way we communicate, interact, understand each other and when that barrier is there, it is a hard one to get past. And of course there are different ways people feel like we should deal with this barrier, there are some who believe that we as citizens who speak English should also learn different languages so that we can more easily communicate with them. And then there are others who feel like they came to our country, they need to learn English like everyone else here does. This has turned into a very touchy subject to a lot of people because people become passionate about there on personal beliefs and the side that they have chosen to get behind. Both sides having very valid points as to why their side is the one that people should adopt as their own side, I personally have decided that I agree that when you come to this country then you should learn to speak the language if you plan on living here. But not because I think English is the superior language or anything like that, I believe it will just make things easier for me and the person who immigrated here to be able to work together and communicate. But of course since this subject is very much two sided, state laws have been passed protecting and or mandating certain things happen, trying to stop the arguing between the two sides.…

    • 1059 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics