ENGLISH as an official langugage?

Question

can someone explain to me why english is not the official language of the US? i mean in 5 years we are going to have everything translated into 200 languages including the click ones in africa.

Answer 1

I agree, we should have English as an official language. It is the language that the country is founded on. People are often mistaken that if we designate English as official language, we would prohibit other languages? What nonsense. You can learn anything you want. In fact, many universities require two full years of a foreign language in order to graduate. What it does is to tell those immigrant who refuses to accept our language and culture to shut up.

And whoever posted this: "Earth has no "owner" and no real boundaries"

We are not talking about Earth, we are talking about a much smaller geographic location call the U.S.A. and yes it has boundary and no people are not allowed to move in and out freely because we are a nation governed by law. This is our foundation and we will not allow any immigrant to change that.

And by the way, I know Chinese who live in NY Chinatown all their lives and speak very little English. That's fine, no one is putting a gun to your head to force you to learn, but do not then come and demand the government to publish official documents in your language or even more rediculus to ask to have your foreign language to be designated second official language.

Answer 2

It technically is the respectable language of industrial...for the second, however until we get a manage on our fiscal mess, I do not understand how with a view to play out. Why must now we have an "respectable language"? I not ever understood why we must call for that all people learns one language. There are a wealth of richness in languages and cultures that could be misplaced if we compelled all people to talk one language. Imagine, if the next day, the federal government stated "We English audio system are making Hindi (or Mandarin, Japanese, or anything) the respectable language on the finish of the month. Learn it. Use it." It is unnecessary.

Answer 3

First of all, you're exaggerating about the number of languages. Second, if we did establish English as the sole official language it wouldn't change the fact that there was was a legitimate need to translate signs, forms, etc. Third, an official language would only affect government agencies. You'll still have to dial one for English if the private company you're calling has their phone set up that way. Fourth, given our history and current demographics, it makes sense for Spanish to be official along with English if we're going to have an official language at all. Many countries have more than one official language because they recognize the fact that they have a diverse population.

Answer 4

I thought that was the intended purpose when our fore-fathers, and law makers made mention of English as the official language in reciting the Naturalization of foreign citizens into Americans.

Answer 5

I would say it's because the United States has a long history of having many people speak many different languages within its borders. The Amish people speak a form of Low German and have been here for more than 100 years. After the United States annexed half of Mexico in 1848 there were thousands of Spanish-speaking people within US borders suddenly. The Louisiana purchace brought in many who spoke French. Many Native American tribes also maintain their separate languages (although members also speak English), particularly the Navajo Nation. Incidently, the Navajo language was rather useful to the United States during World War II.

Answer 6

No, only the Spanish are being favored in this way. Seems kind of shady to me and every other person who has assimilated and learned the language of America, which is English, should protest that they weren't given all this special interest! I find it disgusting! Especially since half of those Spanish speakers are illegals!

Answer 7

the only language that is going to take over English in the U.S is stupid Spanish. and even if we make English official language the Spanish people will over populate as and make the official language Spanish. Europe and Canada are turning into Muslim countries So the only place for English speaking Americans is the moon So let's just depend on NASA.

Answer 8

During every major influx of immigrants into the US, with the exception of the last 30 yrs or so, the migrants that came over here learned to speak English. It wasn't because they were necessarily Forced to do it, considering all the ethnic communities. It was because they felt honored to be living in this new country and felt obligated to become Americans. That meant assimilation into the new world, the new life they were entering.

Answer 9

Just how would that be enforced? Jail time? That would mean more taxes,and you never want to pay more taxes,so that won't work. How'bout anybody that speaks more than just English,should be exterminated? That would be cheaper than locking them up,or sending them on a free ride back where they came from. Just what is your plan? We could just waterboard people to find out who's been learning Spanish! Maybe there will be secret microphones to listen to people in public to make sure no one is cheating! Oh yeah! What a free country this ...WAS!

Answer 10

I think they just passed a law stating that English was the official language, I could be wrong, but it would make sense, if you're planning on living in America to learn English, so you can communicate with people outside of your community. (I don't care what language you speak at home with your family and friends, but when you are out and about I think you should be able to speak English)