Would this force immigrants to learn English, helping them to assimilate into our culture?
2007-03-27 09:43:05 · 8 answers · asked by Andrew S 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Most Europeans learn more than the single language of their native country, becuase they are in close proximity to other countries and their citizens, both on tourism level and on a business level. Products and people cross borders fairly easily, so they learn multiple langugaes to make things easier for everyone.
By the same token, the US should have at least two official languages other than English; namely, French and Spanish. This is because the two are fairly common within the countries that immediately border the US itself.
Having English as the sole official language does NOT help immigrants learn the language or assimilate the culture any more quickly; it often makes it harder ... because there's nothing (of their own) to compare it to.
2007-03-27 11:14:59 · answer #1 · answered by CanTexan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Things should be offered in many languages. It is more fun that way. I believe only having things in English would force immigrants to learn English. If no one is speaking or using your language, then it is imperative that you learn another one. Speaking a language does not mean you adapt the culture.
2007-03-27 09:51:23 · answer #2 · answered by Presagio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if it would really help them assimilate into our culture anymore than the way it is right now, but I do believe it would take the "crutch" away and they would have more of a need to learn the English language. I think that if you plan to live in a country long term, you need to learn their language!
2007-03-27 09:52:02 · answer #3 · answered by Morgan 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe that the USA is a country that receives (and has been formed by) people of different backgrounds, nationalities, etc.
Until recently, the USA did not have an official language, but the custom has always been to use English.
Wouldn't it be better if US citizens LEARNED a 2nd language?
2007-03-27 10:37:14 · answer #4 · answered by BEL76 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, everything SHOULD be in English. English is the main language of America,not Spanish. However, they do that because they have an advantage over other things. For example, companies do that so they can have both English-speaking and spanish-speaking customers buying their product, which equals more money.
2007-03-27 09:51:20 · answer #5 · answered by guineathepig1 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i like the way this country is handling different languages its easier for non-speaking english people get through and in the neighborhood im in the majority is hispanic and even in the stores hell, Port Chester,NY has a whole block of hispanic restaurants but it would become a bigger problem with only english since companies would lose money
2007-03-27 12:01:00 · answer #6 · answered by LilEcua92 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This would further the communication problems we already face. Learning a new language is hard, especially when you are poor and working all the time.
2007-03-27 09:50:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would vote for that.
Even our kids are dumbed down in school because the non-English speaking kids can't understand fast enough to keep up.
2007-03-27 09:51:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋