Should English Be An Official Language Essay
English is the most commonly spoken language in the United States, with over 78% of U.S. citizens speaking English. Due to English’s prevalence in the United States, one would assume that it is the official language of the U.S., so why not make it so? There would be many benefits to acknowledging English as the U.S.’s official language. Although the lack of an official language in the U.S. preserves language diversity and provides jobs for translators and interpreters, English should be declared the official language of the United States because it would encourage national unity and open many more job opportunities for immigrants.
English should become the United States’ official language because it would promote national unity. If everyone
…show more content…
In the article “Why is Official English Necessary?” by Usenglish, they argue that “providing a common means of communication [...] encourages immigrants to learn English in order to use government services and participate in the democratic process” (Source D). The author highlights that by requiring people to learn English, they will be able to take part in different democratic activities, such as voting or contacting government officials. The participation of minorities in democratic activities is necessary because it allows their voices to be heard. For America to live up to its ideal of equality, everyone’s opinion must be acknowledged. This is only possible if the United States appoints an official language. If everybody in the U.S. speaks English, people will be able to communicate with each other and express opinions on various political topics. In addition, the establishment of English as the official language of the U.S. would “help reverse [the] harmful process” of the “growth of linguistic enclaves” promoted by “multilingual government services” (Source D). In other words, the author believes that by accommodating to non-English speakers,
The New Bathroom Policy By Martin Espada And Richard Rodriguez
550 Words | 3 PagesEven after what Espada had just experienced, he proceeded to address the crowd with a microphone in hand and speak against the state and people like the man he had just encountered. Espada believes that the “English Only” idea is harmful and we must fight against policies and ideas that go against non-English speakers. However, there is a multitude of ways to approach policies like “English
Blumenfeld's English Only Laws Divide And Demean
1036 Words | 5 PagesIn ““English Only” Laws Divide and Demean” Warren J. Blumenfeld discusses the laws that make the official language in the United States English, only. His purpose is to persuade the reader to sign the petition he created which is directed to the Iowa House of Representatives and more to abolish the “English only”. Although Blumenfeld does an exceptional job appealing to the emotions of his audience by using personal stories, he does a poor job presenting evidence and facts to persuade the reader to agree with him. Blumenfeld may have personal credentials, but he does not have many source credentials, also, he does not provide counter arguments for the arguments that are made against his.
Summary Of English Only By Warren J. Blumenfeld
1295 Words | 6 PagesIn “English Only” Warren J. Blumenfeld considers the troubles of establishing the English only laws, he also visits the fact that although America hasn’t established an official language, there is still an implied code of language throughout the country. He argues that the need to establish English as our official language is unnecessary and demeaning to those who don’t speak English, he also argues that we should stop the discrimination by language and accept our diversity as a country. He shows that some states have already passes the English only law, then sympathizes with those immigrants who don’t know English, saying that these “laws fall under linguicism” (Blumenfeld). Blumenfeld insists that people will continue to speak their native
Martin Espada Is A Mexican-American Author And Ambassador For Latinos By Richard Rodriguez
1063 Words | 5 PagesThis then leads to the problem that in this public life being bilingual or not being able to speak English was still being discriminated against. In public life, people need to be more accepting of others who speak different languages and also not contribute to getting rid of their language in America. Espadas claims culture is important and people who are a part of the English-Only movement are causing so many people to abandon their culture. While speaking out about the cultural warfare in America, Espada declares, “There are too many in this country who would amputate the Spanish tongue. Given this cultural aggression, it is astonishing that more Latinos have not lost their Spanish altogether, that so many Latinos still speak as much Spanish as they do” (Espada 26-31).
Rhetorical Analysis Of English Only Laws Divide And Demean
1082 Words | 5 PagesThe English Only movement has been around for a long time, but it has been overlooked by most. Most Americans speak English from the moment they learned to talk; many others learn English as a second language. For this reason, many Americans oppose to the existence of non-English languages being spoken in the United States. In Warren J. Blumenfeld’s essay “‘English Only’ Laws Divide and Demean”, the author speaks about the “English Only” Movement and how people who support and oppose it feel towards this situation. He uses rhetorical appeals such as ethos, logos, and pathos in order to make people understand the severity of the situation and for the writing to have an effect on its readers.
Skrentny's The Minority Rights Revolution
811 Words | 4 PagesPrimarily, the idea behind bilingual education is that ““primary and secondary school students who do not speak English well or at all should be taught in some or all subjects in their native language while they learn English” (Skrentny 179). The law targeted limited English proficiency students and especially the Hispanic community who had the high rate of dropouts at schools. While Gann, Duignan, Moore and Pachon insist on the role of Hispanic movement in supporting bilingual education, Skrentny's analysis of bilingual education demonstrates that Hispanics claimed bilingual education as a civil right issue after the emergence of bilingual education. He does not deny the role of the Hispanics but does not put the merit of bilingual education on them. In fact, Skrentny explains that the strongest support for bilingual education came from organizations such as the National Education Organization which argued that forcing immigrant children to give up their mother tongue and native culture in order to assimilate might cause important damage on the self-esteem of the children.
What Are The Barriers In The Devil's Highway Urrea
742 Words | 3 PagesVery few, if any, immigrants have the chance to learn English before traveling to the U.S. Because of this barrier, it is nearly impossible for organizations such as the Border Patrol to warn, aid, and communicate with them as they travel to the U.S. Although there are helpful signs along the border, they are written in English and are therefore indecipherable. Furthermore, the language border hinders an immigrant’s ability to survive in American society once they arrive. English is the written and spoken language in almost every city, thwarting immigrants’ opportunity to find jobs and interact with others. As they struggle to communicate, they become ostracized and do not fit in.
English Should Be America's Official Language
1146 Words | 5 PagesIn conclusion, English should be the main language spoken in the United States because of the social and economic benefits of the decision. With English as the single, common language of all Americans, immigrants, and expatriates, Americans could break down the barriers which stand between them. Having one common language could help improve life for all Americans. A common language that is spoken in a nation can bring different cultures and traditions together. With English as the official language of the United States, citizens would experience societal and economic benefits.
Assimilation In America
301 Words | 2 PagesFor many new immigrants coming to America, it is difficult to adjust into the new society. Many come to America without the basic knowledge of English, the new immigrants do not have the ability assimilate to American society because of the lack of possible communication between the immigrant and an native. Non-English speaking immigrants that come to America face harsh challenges when trying to assimilate to U.S. society because immigrants are often segregated into ethnic communities away from natives, Americans do not know basics of words of other well known languages, and the lack of government funding education programs. Assimilation into a new society is difficult enough, but when the society pushes any new immigrants to separate part
Why Do Students Should Learn Foreign Language Essay
903 Words | 4 PagesTITLE: Each student should learn foreign language. GENERAL PURPOSE: To persuade SPECIFIC PURPOSE: To persuade people that each of student should learn foreign language MAIN IDEA: - learning foreign language enhance communication skills. - learning foreign language enhance job and career opportunities.
Foreign Language In Schools Essay
1086 Words | 5 PagesLearning a second language at a younger age is beneficial Most little kids first day of school is when they are approximately five years old, and about to enter kindergarten. Kids go to school from about age five till graduation from high school at about age eighteen. Most schools focus on the basic core subjects, such as math, reading, science and history. Until junior high or high school, foreign language is not even offered.
More about Should English Be An Official Language Essay
The New Bathroom Policy By Martin Espada And Richard Rodriguez
550 Words | 3 PagesBlumenfeld's English Only Laws Divide And Demean
1036 Words | 5 PagesSummary Of English Only By Warren J. Blumenfeld
1295 Words | 6 PagesWhat Is In Cold Blood By Truman Capote Justice
988 Words | 4 PagesThe Secret Life Of Bees By Sue Monk Kidd
1151 Words | 5 PagesAn Analysis Of Andrew Jackson's Ratification Of The Indian Removal Act
1222 Words | 5 PagesMartin Espada Is A Mexican-American Author And Ambassador For Latinos By Richard Rodriguez
1063 Words | 5 PagesRhetorical Analysis Of English Only Laws Divide And Demean
1082 Words | 5 PagesSkrentny's The Minority Rights Revolution
811 Words | 4 PagesWhat Are The Barriers In The Devil's Highway Urrea
742 Words | 3 PagesHow To Facilitate Communication With Children And Young People
1102 Words | 5 PagesEnglish Should Be America's Official Language
1146 Words | 5 PagesAssimilation In America
301 Words | 2 PagesWhy Do Students Should Learn Foreign Language Essay
903 Words | 4 PagesForeign Language In Schools Essay
1086 Words | 5 Pages