By the way, do you know that English is not an official language in America, it is just more widely used but?

Question

all the other languages are equal in their rights to be used. The popularity of English is only because of it is wide-spread. What are you comments?

But there is no difference what contry new-comers come from, Anerica is not England, people from all over the world and with various languages live and arrive in America.

Answer 1

Its true that the United States has no "national language," but this is certainly not a good thing. Every unified society needs a linguistic standard by which everyone can be understood. Sure, commerce can be carried out by means of translation, but linguistics is more of an art than a science. Speaking as a linguist myself, multilingual communications within a unified society do not result in efficient communications.

Answer 2

English is the language of freedom, commerce and opportunity around the world. Declaring English the official language of the United States will provide legal protection against ill-advised government actions which harm or ignore English. On Aug. 1, 1996, the House of Representatives voted 259-169 to declare English the official language of the United States; the Senate never acted on the bill. Source: Cong. Rec. Aug. 1, 1996, H9771-72.

More than 300 languages are spoken in the United States. Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990 Table: "Language Spoken At Home and Ability to Speak English for Persons 5 Years and Over." English is one of the few common bonds between Americans of all backgrounds. Although 14 percent of Americans speak a language other than English at home, 98% of Americans speak English "very well" or "well." Source: "Demographics," National Journal, May 1, 1993, P. 1058.

The financial burden of language "assistance" by government is enormous. In addition to the $10 billion governments pay annually for bilingual education, governments spend millions to provide translations and other bilingual services. New Jersey alone spent $922,000 in 1992 on court translator fees. Source: Hope Viner Samborn, "Tongue- Tied," ABA Journal, February 1996, 22.

In light of these costs and difficulties, 22 states have declared English their official languages. Those states still use other languages when necessary, but their official language – the language in which their governments function – is English.

Answer 3

Your statement is TRUE, we don't have an "official" language in the USA, this was never legislated in all out 230 years of existence.
Just because most or all of us speak English, doesn't change the fact - that no official language was ever adopted.Most countries in the world have an official language. Some countries have several official languages (like South Africa) -- if we had an "official language" we could limit "official business" and "official doccuments" to the official language.

Several years ago, there was a bill introduced to the senate to make English the official language of the USA. The senator that brought the bill was laughed at, and it went nowhere.

Answer 4

I would be willing to say that atleast 90% of Americans (legal) living in the United States speak English and as a democracy the people decide by popularity what is official without having a bunch of do nothing politicians who have nothing better to do then collect a huge pay check without earning it sit down and draft up a bill confirming that English is our official language. All they have to do is add a Yes or No on a ballot at election time and the people would decide it for them. We the People of these United States have already decided what our official language and those who don't like it.... well you know the old saying or sayings per say.

Answer 5

Yep I knew that although it is the Official language of some States

New Mexico has English and Spanish as Co-Official

Hawaii has English and Hawaiian as Co-Official thus while several States have English as Official only 2 States have another language Co-Official with English.

I think English should be the Official language of America

Answer 6

Yes, I knew that!! And I agree with you totally that ALL languages have an equal right to be used!

But I'm not American, I'm English - and I don't live in America either, I live in Japan - so I'm not affected by this fiasco!!
; )

Americans who speak English seem to think that THEY are the only ones with a right to use their mother tongue ... which is a little strange for immigrants to a country where English was most definitely NOT the original language!! I think too many Americans forget their country's brief history ...

Anyway, I think it would be logical to have English as the 'prominent' language in America - NOT the 'official' language, because that's too high-handed! But it's sensible to have a 'main' language, as long as you cater for all the other languages too! (If you accept immigrants, and remember that MOST 'Americans' are immigrants, then you have to accept that they might not become good enough at English to survive - especially in difficult situations, like when they need to see a doctor for example. It's not practical - or SAFE - to be treated by a doctor if HE / SHE can't understand YOU properly, and YOU can't understand THEM properly!)

Answer 7

While it is true that there is no official language in the United States English will be soon. Contrary to some posts it will not be illegal to speak other languages. It just means that the government and schools will be required to conduct business in english. I don't know why people think that Americans are against other cultures, we aren't. I believe that all people should maintain roots to their heritage whatever it might be. However, I also believe that if you want to be an American, you should be an American first, and whatever culture you came from second. If the culture you immigrate from is better than America in your opinion then you should remain in your country of origin.

Answer 8

By custom and tradition, English has always been our national language. It had never been necessary to state this in Law or Statute, because we never thought anyone would ever question its primacy. Now, with an alien culture and language invading our fair land, I think it only time that we let it be known to all and sundry that English is THE language of the United States, never to be a "co-language" with any other. Welcome to America, now Speak English.

Answer 9

America does not have an "official language" although various congressmen and senators have tried to pass laws making English the official language.

Answer 10

Sure, other languages can be used. But have fun ordering food or paying your bills in a language other then English. I believe English to the official language.