What reasons are there to favor/oppose English as the official language of America?

Question

Please offer intelligent responses, this is for a report.
Keep in mind all public relations would thus be conducted in English only, and thanks for the help.

Answer 1

The US has no official language, and although there may be practical reasons to learn English, enforcing it as the single, official language of the US would only serve to alienate immigrant populations and reinforce our own "American-ness." So, making it the official language would just be a result of fear (linguistic insecurity, if you will) on our part.
Most other countries are fairly open to the idea of bi- or multi-lingualism, and I don't think it would kill anyone to try to learn a second language (especially when you're young and soak up new languages like a sponge). Learning a second language seems to open up so many new avenues, that strictly limiting yourself to a single language and refusing to learn new ones seems like you're just closing yourself off from any experiences outside of your normal realm. So, making it the official language would very strongly isolate the US from the world around it, and put it at the mercy of everyone else to learn English.

Answer 2

Hi Talli,
PROS: The whole system (laws, business, schools, etc.) is already in English, and nowadays lots of treaties and businesses are done in English since many other nations speak the American English. CONS: If all documents, meetings, businesses, etc., are conducted in English only, especially at an interacial level, there is the posibility that there will be many misunderstandings, waste of time and money (these two latter ones are very important for many people), and if we get into details, the lack of communication can have mayor "side effects."
I hope this helps you in your report.
I don't mean to be rude, but I believe it is ...English as the official language of the United States OF America, since America by itself is the whole continent.

Answer 3

Honestly i thinks its really foolish. I do come from a mexican background but im not as much offended as i am suprised; this could possibly be one of the dumbest things i've ever heard. So, what are we not goint to accept other languages in this country again. Theres really no point in wasting time passing a law, bill, decree, whatever that says English is the official language. Shouldn't people be spending time trying to fix other problems, like drugbusts, curruption, or maybe problems in foster care? Anything?? Or are we really that hungry for attention. I really dont see a point in favoring or opposing the statement, but i have to wonder is there really a reason behind it?

Answer 4

FAVOR: we were founded by the English, they are our "motherland" in a sense. even during the Revolutionary War, the settlers still had strong ties to the English. The English helped us out quite a bit, and in turn we help them. We carried over English traditions, culture, food, animals, ways of cultivating land, and most importantly our foundation of government. (note: foundation NOT the actual governent)

OPPOSE: We did want to be free from all English rule, but does that include language? thats your opinion to decide. i think not, but thats up to you

Answer 5

English IS the official language of the USA. Anyone who would oppose the language of our country JUST DOESN'T BELONG HERE! There's your report.

Answer 6

We speak American but they say it's English
I think that they want to keep English,because it's
what we ,and how we are raised.
The people from South America,wants us to change,so they don't haft learn English.
All our history would haft be translated to Spanish..all our legal system would be so screwed up it would never work.Spanish would
be used in all school
Oklahoma passed a law as of 11-1-07 to deport
all illegal aliens from Oklahoma and cut all funding
for medical,school, welfare meals, hospitals.
Mexican marring GRINGOS to stay in the states
will be deported.Any one using forged papers,
will face criminal charges.

Answer 7

Aside from the fact that it was chosen by the founding fathers (It was almost German) The main reason is that it's currently the universal language- the language of commerce, and the whole world uses it.

Answer 8

they're really aren't. if you and I had to move to another country we'd have to learn the language. signs would all be in that language and all the phone service would NOT have language options as in " press 1 for english" our parents and great grandparents got their green cards and worked their butts off to earn their citizenship, and they were actually PROUD of it and PROUD to learn English! how many of us could do the same thing if we had to live in France or Spain?americans abroad get NO sympathy. at least we bend over backwards trying to help everyone else.

Answer 9

English is the easiest language, so most people around the world use it as business language.

Answer 10

We have the situation in Canada of 2 official languages.
It means all government services must be provided in both.
All official documents must be bi-lingual.
Public servants must be bi-lingual, take courses & pass tests.
Labels on all products must be in both languages.
Company software must communicate in both languages.
Bank machines in Toronto provide other languages too:
English, French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, etc.