Political Survey Question 4 - Should English be the OFFICIAL language of THE UNITED STATES?

Question

I REFUSE to use a product or service IN AMERICA if I have to press 1 for ENGLISH.

Answer 1

How about Native American......;-)

I think it is necessary for a proper understanding to have one official Language and I think English would be the best choice.

Answer 2

First of all, how would you enforce that? Would you have language police passing out tickets to anyone they hear speaking another language? In my neighborhood, they could sweep up a lot of people, since I have heard people on the street speaking Armenian, Russian, Spanish and a few other languages.

Second of all, English does not lend itself to being "official." Unlike French, for example, where you have an Academie Francaise that can dictate what is proper French and what is not, there simply is no authoritative body anywhere with the power to say what is English and what is not. So who is to say what is "official" English? Furthermore, English has evolved in many different directions in the many countries in which it is spoken. Over the centuries, English has been enriched by additions from many other languages. American English is not the same as the English spoken in Australia, Scotland, Kenya, India, or Jamaica. Even within the US, there are a number of dialects.

Third of all, English has never been the exclusive language in this country. Just look at all the place names that are derived from Indian languages, and from French and Spanish. Did you know that about half of the states' names are derived from Indian words? They are not English. Under your proposal are we going to have to re-name every city and state that now has a foreign language name, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New Orleans, Detroit, Chicago, North and South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, Mississippi, etc., etc.?

Answer 3

Yes English should be the official language.

Answer 4

I get it, and I agree. Part of being in America is the freedom to make decisions like you just did. The other part is the freedom businesses have to lure in new customers by offering service in other languages. It's crappy, but they're looking to make money, just like everyone else. So, they lose your business but gain the business of hundres or thousands of new customers who either don't speak English or aren't very good at it. Unfortunately, you're going to have to do more to unite people than just complain about something if you actually want to change what's happening in our country.

Answer 5

I think in order to gain legal entry- immigrate or work visas-you MUST be fluent in English. Australia made English their official language--so why not?
I like a lot what my Aussie cousins are doing there.
I never press 1 for English, I just stay on the line until I am served.
I'll tell you this though, when someone telemarkets me who can't even speak English clearly enough to make out the call--I tell them to call me back when they learn our language.

Answer 6

Press Yes for english.

Answer 7

Of course English should be official language, it is the language of the world! Many countries teach their school children to learn English fluently, and so many foreign adults know English. The candidates who say English should not be offical language are TRAITORS.

Answer 8

Yes It Should BE, understanding the history of the Nation was Profoudly British before the Revolution! Most Americans would rather Fight than Switch. Speak what you will at home, in private, on your breaks. Anything else leads to anarchy!

Answer 9

If you refuse, then I guess you wont be using any products now will you?
English IS the official language and it has been ever since america was established and it always will be.

DEAL

Answer 10

sure why not. America is an english speaking nation therefore people who want to become Americans should learn to speak the language.