Do you think that America should declare a national language?

Question

should America force all citizen natural or otherwise learn the English language? I find it quite disturbing that the constitution exam that is required to become a citizen is translated in several languages...your opinion please...

Answer 1

Most definitely America should declare English as a national language. While I understand how difficult it may be to learn English as a second language, immigrating to America (legally) is a priviledge, not a right, and when moving to any English speaking country it should be a priority to learn our language before expecting natural born citizens to embrace you as a fellow American. I find it both disrespectful and arrogant to assume America, an undeniably English speaking country, should cater to any other culture's language, much less cater to the wide range of languages spoke by the array of immigrants who come here to reside. Furthermore, America has perhaps the most accomodating educational programs for those individuals who speak English as a second language (paid for by our tax dollars)....there is no valid reason to not learn and embrace our language, and certainly there is no reason to spend EVEN MORE tax dollars to ensure every possible government service or requirement is further accomodating to every non-English speaker that CHOOSES to come to America. My grandfather taught me German - he never had the audacity to suggest the entire country should cater to him because his family had to endure the struggle to learn English. He knew the great country his family had moved to, and he thought in terms of what he could do for our country, not what the country should do for him. If ya CHOOSE to come to an English speaking country, you should CHOOSE to speak English. Since people are not always choosing to do so out of respect and common sense, then America should certainly require it.

Some folks have also proven that if you give an inch, they will take a mile. By not declaring and embracing English as the official national language, disrespectful legal and illegal immigrants alike have went so far as to suggest our national anthem be sung in a different language!! In my mind, that is borderline treason....and in many countries, it would be! Many countries (including the one where most of our immigrants come from) do not allow educational programs for kids who do not know the respective native languages fluently (i.e. Spanish as a second language programs do not exist for kids in Mexico, nor are they allowed by law).

Regarding teaching Spanish in schools, as another poster mentioned.....I'm under the impression most students must have a few years of foreign language to graduate. At least in my state students go through a few years of foreign language studies, mostly Spanish, in grammar school, and in high school you are again required two years of any foreign language. I chose Latin myself. Anyhow....you are correct that foreign language studies are beneficial....but that should be exactly what they are....FOREIGN language studies.

Answer 2

I think we should declare English a national language. I know that we have many nationalities coming to this country either fleeing wars, famine or just want a better life and may not have time to learn English before they get here. But I think it should be part of the citizenship criteria once they are here and intend to apply. Not much we can do with the illegals right now.

They also have the driver's license tests in other languages too. Maybe that is why we have even more bad drivers. If you can't read the English signs, why give them the license? I don't get it.

But to be fair, I think its time American children learned other languages as a mandatory requriement since we are a global society.

Answer 3

I dont see why the USA should NOT legislate that English is the official langauge. It's perfectly legal. New Zealand has 2 official languages - english and maori. Canada has 2 official languages - english and french. Canada is also a country of immigrants and yes Canada does impose a language requirement on all new immigrants. I do not see why USA cannot do the same.

Answer 4

I thought that we adopted the English language in the 1700's from England. It is in the Encyclopedia as our official language and has been the language of media and our presidents ever since. I didn't know it ever changed from English.

Did I miss something while I was in the bathroom?

Answer 5

I think they should force it. Just like I BELIEVE some countries require you to know their language before moving to their country. But it doesn't say that you have to use the their language. Just want you to know it before coming!

So I think we should force it for people to know English! but thats my opinion!

Answer 6

I don't see the point.

People will be forced to learn English if they want to communicate in society. Some people cluster together because of the language barrier, but their children grow up bilingual, speaking one language with their parents and another at school.

"Now let's talk about your unspoken assumptions: Immigrants, particularly Hispanic, aren't learning English any more. Incorrect. The Hispanic community is turning out just like the previous waves of immigrants-The old folks cluster together and speak Spanish, their children speak Spanish at home, but English at school and work, and the grandchildren speak little or no Spanish, causing complaining articles in the Spanish press about children losing their heritage. This is just the way it happened with the Polish, Italian, and East European Jewish immigrants in the last century and a half, among others.

There is only one reason to have a language purity requirement; the fear that your language is so inferior that it cannot compete in the open market. Well, English has already won. Now we are simply cleaning out the corners."

Answer 7

Yes, I believe English should be a requirement for those seeking citizenship in an English-speaking country.

Answer 8

Yes! the language should be English. its absolutely silly living in a country and you are the only idiot that doesn't want to learn that language. its ignorant and unnecessary

Answer 9

yes i agree but we need pacience dear..if i send you to switzerland i think you would like some compassion an pacience from those around you not the cold shoulder...all in all i do agree,but lets remember this is the land of immigration,and learning a new language after old is rather hard.

Answer 10

yes, this nation was founded by ENGLISH speaking people and this should have been formalized and legislated long ago...the very definition of a nation includes a national language. i can't think of too many other nations without a national language.