Should English be the langauge of the land?

Question

I have to write a paper on this subject. Any comments are much appreciated.

Answer 1

No. While English is the de facto official language, I don't feel that it's appropriate to mandate that American citizens (note: not immigrants, citizens) MUST learn a particular language. It would infringe on individual rights for no good reason.

I understand how frustrating it is to deal with people with poor English skills on a day-to-day basis. Nevertheless, I wouldn't want my government telling me what language I have to learn or what language I must teach my children. If I make the very poor decision to not learn English, it's still my decision and no one else's.

Answer 2

English already is the official language of the USA. Because some states like CA and AZ are willing to go to the extra expense of printing up documents in other languages doesn't change that. Any language should be allowed to be spoken, but English is the official and legal language here in the US.

PS. In case the others didn't know it, this IS the USA board, so it stands to reason that the question refers to the USA.

Answer 3

Why write a superfluous law? English is already the law of the land, if foreigners come here, they must use English or operate at an extreme disadvantage. Thus any law written would serve only to attribute more power to the federal government. It would not solve any problems.

Answer 4

yes. It should be made out national language. They say America is a melting pot, then lets make it true. I don't care where you're from, if you're an American, native or an immigrant, speak English. That is America. Americans speak English. speak any other language at home, thats cool. At least attempt it. Its also the only growing language. I have you ever wondered why other languages thrown in a English word. Its cuz their language can' grow and so they mix it. English can add any word in, but others are so unable to add anything new.

but i would like to learn other languages myself. I know a little spanish and japanese.

Answer 5

It is the language of the land. Just look at the basic requirements to become an American citizen. You must know basic conversational English according to the INS.

Answer 6

Of which land?

If you check the bottom of the page, you'll see that there are 20 different country versions of Yahoo listed. In most of them English is NOT a native tongue.

Answer 7

I think it should be a requirement that everyone wishing to benefit from living in the USA must learn English. I don't expect people from Germany to know English (when I visit) just because I speak English.

Answer 8

no way!!! our country is just a melting pot...we have people and cultures from all over the world here coming together and I think it's wonderful to live in a place with so much variety...we shouldn't need to take the time to make everyone learn our language! If you think about it almost everyone came from another place.

Answer 9

I guess it would depend on who you ask in America. Native americans may say no, they were here first and maybe we should have learnt there language when we first arrived. But to answer that question in present day, I would say yes, it should be a mandatory thing before granting citizenship and its really not. The test they give is very basic and most just memorize it before the test.

Answer 10

this notion is intristing but will any declaration of "language of the land" influence the way people speak, i know that companys are required to print instructions and warranties in all nationally declared languages. this is a pain for small buisness that needs to have that stuff translated. lets say we decided to implement law to controll how people talk, but how we talk is determined by how were raised. and aint no chance in hell the gov would/could take the rights of child bearing away from parents.