Should English be the national language in the US?

Question

Is english only laws equal racism?

I'm in favor of english being the national language of the US and surprised it isn't or am I just missing it? I'm filipino and my family immigrated here in '86 and we understood that if we plan to succeed in the states it is to learn the language. But we have not forgotten our national language. No law that I know of prohibits that.

adam33079: You sound exactly like Obama... sad

Answer 1

Yes it should be, and because of it, it should be the only language used on government forms, and at government offices.

I don't care if someone wants to speak another language, that is their right, but the government shouldn't have to accomodate.

Also immigrants should know basic English before they are allowed to come here. It isn't that hard to learn.

Language unites us, we need to remember that.

Answer 2

No it shouldn't be the 'national language'. It creates division and accomplishes nothing. Are you going to force people to learn english if they want to be a citizen or a resident? That doesn't sound like freedom to me.

We'd all agree that it's probably in the immigrants' best interest to learn english. But why should they be forced to? If they can exist and work here without learning english, good for them.

Answer 3

No!

I think it is the language of the country. Making it official starts many legal issues, some of which you will not like!

Immigrants who become citizens are REQUIRED to learn English!

And who is to say English will be the language of this country in the future. Over 150 years ago English was not the main language spoken here. In fact, German missed by 1 vote of being "THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE"!

Answer 4

I think we should focus in English education for foreigners instead of simply passing a bill. How would one enforce that? What positive effects would it have? Let's do as Canada does and provide English language learning opportunities for immigrants.

Answer 5

English should be the official language. Saying that people should speak English only, in a traditionally English speaking country, is not racist. This is our country and we speak English. This is not Mexico!

It is insulting when people say that Spanish should be the official language or even the 2nd official language. LEARN ENGLISH!

BTW, illegal immigration is not a racist issue either!

Answer 6

Yes. Every country in the world has at least one national language. We need to have a national language so that immigrants (mostly mexican) immigrants can assimilate quickly into our culture. Secondarily, all U.S. documents should be in one language to prevent inaccuracies.

Answer 7

It should be the national and official language.

Answer 8

Yes, I think so. I know there are people who say we should adopt Spanish as well, but why stop there. Some sections speak French, A smaller section speaks Italian, some speak Chinese, etc. It's allot easier for one person to learn English then it is for everyone else to adapt to everyone who comes here to seek a better life.

Answer 9

As an English speaking American,I make NO effort to cater to any foreign language.If someone wants my attention,they need address me in English or go unnoticed, Sorry,but that's MY rules....(although I make no plans to travel abroad,if I did,I would certainly make every attempt to speak in the native tongue of that country,however badly...and if I planned to stay for an extended period of time,a more complete course would be required,) but that's just MY rules...

Answer 10

No. English is an immigrant's language. If you want a national language, it should be Algonquian. It was spoken here thousands of years before English.