I always thought there wasn't one, but my mom says it's english. Who's right?
2007-09-07 10:00:52 · 10 answers · asked by liz 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
You, for right now. There never has been an official language in the country as a whole, English was just the most common language spoken/language government did business through etc etc etc.
Over about the last two years the official language has become a very hot topic as part of much immigration legislation (this may be where your mom is getting her ideas from).
On May 18, 2006, the Senate voted on an amendment to an immigration reform bill that would declare English the national language of the United States. The immigration reform bill itself, S. 2611, was passed in the Senate on May 25, 2006, and then to the House of Representatives where it was not agreed upon.
In June 07 with a vote of 64-33, lawmakers approved an amendment to the bill by Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., that would establish English as the national language of the United States.
There are in fact several bills pending with the house of representatives that would make English an official language of the united states but as of right now there is no official language
So for right now your mom is wrong but she may not be for very long. The official language debate has been largely over shadowed by the other issues in the immigration debate.
I think the whole way that there are so many bills that are making it to debate & voting is particularly interesting when taken into account the answer from one of the other contributors:
“The founding fathers specifically left out an official language to counter the oppressive statutes that most European countries had put forth that essentially forced people to speak a certain language and practice a certain religion.
America was founded on the principle that All people (meaning white men), could say whatever they wanted, in which ever language they wanted without any fear of reprisal from the Government.
This is anecdotally supported by the first amendment right to free speech. For, how can what you say be a right, if what language you say it in is dictated by the State.”
Sad to see in all the hysteria related to the immigration debate that the US could loose this important principle/right & the lack of public outcry.
2007-09-07 15:29:37 · answer #1 · answered by Answers_to_questions 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no Official National Language of the United States.
The founding fathers specifically left out an official language to counter the oppressive statutes that most European countries had put forth that essentially forced people to speak a certain language and practice a certain religion.
America was founded on the principle that All people (meaning white men), could say whatever they wanted, in which ever language they wanted without any fear of reprisal from the Government.
This is anecdotally supported by the first amendment right to free speech. For, how can what you say be a right, if what language you say it in is dictated by the State.
GO tell mom she is wrong!
2007-09-07 10:11:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Federal laws do not cite an official language - but some state laws do. I am not sure of all of them, but if you are in New Mexico and are brought into court, you may elect either Spanish or English for the trial. In Louisiana, it may be either English of French.
There may be other states that allow languages other than English.
In that sense, 'official' languages are cited.
2007-09-07 11:53:19 · answer #3 · answered by dollhaus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is English. Back in the days, they did an election todecide what language America should speak. It was between English and German. Engish won by one vote. Look it up.
2007-09-07 18:32:29 · answer #4 · answered by loralaey 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, there isn't. English is just the most spoken language, but it has never been declared official. Many countries lack an official language.
2007-09-07 10:05:53 · answer #5 · answered by Belie 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
None. In most countries in America the language is Spanish. In Brasil is Portuguese, and in Haiti is French.
In north America people speak Spanish, english and French
2007-09-07 11:06:55 · answer #6 · answered by nadie 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
english is the most commonly spoken language but it has no OFFICIAL language
2007-09-07 10:10:50 · answer #7 · answered by Proud Fenian 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, there is no official language. Mom should look up or shut up.
2007-09-07 10:14:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It was english but now it turning toward spanish in favor of our Illegal immigrants and arabic for our terrorist and jibberish for our screwed up government
2007-09-07 10:14:32 · answer #9 · answered by dugbug63 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think it IS English.
the others will be sub-official!!!!
2007-09-07 11:07:26 · answer #10 · answered by Judy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋