How do you feel about making Standard English the official U.S. language?

Answer 1

I don't see any harm in making English the official language, but it almost seems a moot point by now. Declaring an official language won't prevent anyone from speaking their native tongue, just as English was never the only language spoken in the U.S.

As a matter of fact, there have been various times in this country's history when English was not the dominant language of its respective territories. German was extremely prevalent in the original colonies, so much so that Benjamin Franklin once expressed outrage that German colonists made it so prevalent in Pennsylvania (read "The German Problem in Pennsylvania" letter).

Then of course there is French, which was the most widely spoken language throughout what became the Louisiana purchase. Then there are the territories won from Mexico, where Spanish was obviously the dominant language.

The notion that English was the only proper language of the U.S. is a misconception. And, frankly, it's unrealistic to expect that one could expect it to be the "officially" spoken language of the country. Not with the effects of globalization, and increasing international links and information exchange.

Still, English is the business language of the world, and it's obvious that anyone living in this country must learn it to succeed. Personally, I don't see any particular need to make it "official."
I've yet to see any compelling argument to go through the trouble, the fact that the Puritan settlers spoke English is a silly argument since they never represented more than a segment of the U.S. population, and even the framers of the Constitution never saw it necessary to go through the trouble.

Frankly, it would serve future generations well to become at least bi-lingual, as most (if not all) industrialized nations already support this concept.

Answer 2

I personally do not have a problem with it as long as it would not affect languages spoken in private homes, churches or even in public. I believe the only mandate for it becoming the official language is to ensure that "government business" is conducted in English, eliminating federal mandates for bilingual ballots and that translators would still be available mduring conducting business.



France once removed all English from billboards. Once while accompanying a friend to Mexico's immigration office, we discovered there were no English speaking authorities to trnslate. The irony of that visit was that he was interested in speaking with someone about the process in becoming a resident in Mexico as he was making arrangements to retire within the next year. Finally when we were told someone would translate for us, we were surprized by a senior immigration officer who told us to leave. If a company or government agency did not have an obligation to provide a translator, how are we supposed to communicate or how are employees expected to listen? When I have applied for several positions with the government and private companies, I have been selected based on my language skills. I learned other languages to operate in my job more effectively. I believe that as a Nation that opens its ports to a continuous flow of immigrants from all over the world, it is imperative that we unite under our most common value. Many immigrants are very successful for coming here and building empires,companies,small businesses that our economy thrives on. Although I don't think any of them would have been as successful if they had not taken the time and the effort to learn the language. They're reasons may have been based widely on their business interests, but they did it nonetheless. Not being able to speak English in America would conflict with many immigrants dreams and purpose for being here. I think the majority of the ones that make it controversial issue are the ones that have no particular merit for being here. They just use our system and live off of "the people" that do work hard to pursue their dreams. America gives us so much. Those that have truly seen and experienced that reward would gladly support the policy. We should learn to give back.

Answer 3

It should already be understood that English is the official language. Much the same as Spanish is the language in Spain, German in Germany. I grew up in New York City, were shops in small neighborhoods might not speak English well, if at all. I had no problems communicating (pointing and paying). Even my high school had teachers who spoke Spanish, and even Russian. Some people are annoyed at the extra cost of printing things like the Driver's Handbook in Spanish as well, we the tax payers absorb. Chow.

Answer 4

First, the English spoken in America is sufficiently diverged to make it independent - I think it should be called "American".

Second, we are one of the few countries in the world without an official language. This leads to extra costs in translation and publishing of official documents. We do use American as a test in the immigration process; it seems logical then that we should also make it our official language.

Answer 5

Well, English is a generally used language all over the world. I think it would be a waste of time and money to devote time trying to pass that. Although it is not unheard of for countries to make a standard language mandatory. Germany for example, in order to become a citizen you MUST know German or you have to take language classes. But in general, it's not really that important.

Answer 6

Make Navajo and Cheyenne the official languages. English, French, Spanish, etc. are the languages of the invaders.

Answer 7

Thought it always was, but legally I guess it is not official. It should be. You know something is wrong when you have to "press ( 1) for English !" Ridiculous ! English was always the main language. When in Rome you'd do as the Romans...

Answer 8

The Queen's English?

What do you mean as "Standard English"? Even in the US a caw means something different in Boston and the South.

The closest to a common English in the US is something like CNN-Speak (based upon the language spoken approximately in Iowa). It is common, because most Americans understand it, even if they don't speak it.

So I guess I think this is a dumb idea, for no other reason that it isn't well thought out.

Answer 9

Don't go standard, that's like...British!
Just say American English is the official language, and there we have it :-)

Answer 10

i don't know about standard english but i was born and raised here, i can pick out some words from different languages but english is the language i speak.