Do you think there should be a law that says to only speak English?

Question

For example, if someone is speaking some other language in a public place or home, should he be required to speak english only?

And live here

I don't! It's stupid~

~Some dumb americans think that!~
*sight*

Answer 1

It depends on the stipulations of the English only rule. From a pragmatic standpoint, it would almost be impossible to enforce a law prohibiting the usage of any other language besides the English language in the public arena. Any law that would attempt to be this far-reaching and intrusive is destined for failure. Yet a law that prohibits the foreign language translations of government documents, and forbids the verbal exchanges in government offices in foreign tongues with respect to government business, I think is easily enforceable and is a good thing.

This would entail that all IRS forms, DMV forms, INS forms, and any form related to the government at municipal, county, state, or national level be written in English only. Government employees cannot speak to clients in government offices in any other language besides English when they are doing business with the government office (i.e. filing for taxes, getting a drivers license, obtaining residency status, getting a case heard in court, getting treated in a government hospital, etc.). Furthermore, they cannot talk to people who are party to individuals who cannot speak English, who will translate on their behalf.

I think this is a practical approach to preserving the English language and our culture from being obliterated by foreign influences. It is a tough stance that can lead many immigrants in precarious and harrowing circumstances. However, it is when they are completely shut out like this, that they will be compelled to master, at least, the rudimentary aspects of our language and mores.

If my parents, and countless generation of immigrants before them, felt compelled to master the English language so they could get their slice of the American dream, others should not be given special privilege from not having to undergo this burden as well.

Answer 2

No, I don't think there should be a law stating you have to speak only English, but English should be the native language. What you do in your own home is your own business and what language you speak to others that speak the same language is also up to you, in a public place, I would ask if I needed to speak English.

Answer 3

Your grandparents and their parents are probably not even from the US...much less speak english. Most Americans have a culturally diverse background.

Why do ppl just sit around and look for ways to mess with other ppl? Mind your business!!!...why do you need to know what the heck they are saying, especially in there own home. Most likely they will adjust and speak english at work and school but who care what language they use on their own social time.

to those who agree with making others speak english all of the time I say Go get a book or something and stop trying to find ways to be a bigot.

That's just ignorant and just not cool dude...just live peacefully with others and respect others and they will do the same for you. I personally don't respect ppl who pick on others. There's no need for that dude...there's so much more to life than language.

Answer 4

Absolutely not. But I think an employer has the right to not hire employees who are incapable of speaking and/or understanding English. I also think an employer has the right to demand that the employees only speak English on the job, although this might be bad for business if many customers speak other languages.

Answer 5

No.

This country has many ethnicities. People come here for a better life, whatever that means.

Everyone's culture needs to be preserved!

I love learning about other cultures by going to ethnic festivals, restaurants, book readings and neighborhoods.

Also, those who don't speak English (or speak very little English) are a solid part of this country's infrastructure.

They work at manufacturing plants for minimum wage, and they do a darned good job.

They work as domestics...housekeepers, lawn care, handymen, nannies, for well below market value. They don't speak English but they get the job done and they do it well.

Answer 6

Cannot happen in the US. That's a violation of the 1st Amendment in the form of compelled speech. The issue was resolved by the Supreme Court almost a century ago.

As far as asking someone to speak English, that's up to you. But it's not something the law can enforce.

Answer 7

No, i don't and quite frankly, it is a ridiculous thought. People enter into the US because of the dream of America...home of the free, land of the brave. They come to have rights, to live life on their terms with little restrictions. Why force one from another country to only speak English. Why not allow cultures the right to preservation of individuals cultures? You're wanting to take away a right, freedom of speech.What's next, forbidding entry into the US to foreigners?
How about this...you learn the languages and/or simply cope.

Answer 8

No, what if he's a tourist? That's really not too fair. And why can't immigrants speak their native language to each other? I think anyone can speak any language they want, but just not go to school or a restaurant and expect them to speak your language, if it's not English.

Answer 9

No. I talk a Southern dialect type of local language.a lot of dumb Yankees cant understand, Great!Cant expect all of the others to learn Southern.Wouldn't otherwise be a very culturally diverse country.now would it? that's what is great,about this country . course when the south leaves the Union again we re going to kick ALL people who don't speak southern out of the C.S.A,Sorry. Y'all can talk all that foreign stuff somewhere else. ha ha har de har

Answer 10

No, not quite that strict a law but I do believe english should be the official US language for many reasons.