Should English Be the National Language of the Us

In the beginning, this country was a melting pot. Many different people, from many different countries, of many different ethnic groups, speaking in many different tongues came to America. English arose as the predominant language of the United States. Over time, people realized the importance of staying in touch with their cultural backgrounds, including the language of their native countries. The main problem presented now lies in communication and interaction with each other. It is obvious that miscommunication causes problems. An "English Only" law will unite Americans and give them all a common ground on which to communicate. It will diminish racial conflicts, as well as encourage immigrants to become involved in the U.S. society and become successful. It will also improve the efficiency of government operations. Declaring English as the official language of the United States will resolve current issues and prevent problems in the future.

The biggest and most obvious problem with speaking many different languages in one united country is communication. Many immigrants do not learn English at all. In fact, 213 different languages are spoken in the United States, and approximately 10 million U.S. residents do not speak fluent English ("English Only" 3). Some immigrants gradually pick up the language, but do not learn enough to bridge the communication gaps between themselves and the government. Even everyday communication creates tension. For example, I live in Immokalee which is mostly a Hispanic town, and when I go to the local gas station and ask for help, most of the employees do not understand whct I'm asking of them. The hired employees have trouble understanding what I'm trying to ask for and I have trouble understanding them when they try to help me out. It is a very frustrating situation for both the employee and I. Another example is when I worked at ACE Hardware in LaBelle. Migrant workers would come in and try to buy something but I couldn't understand what they wanted. They didn't know how to speak English and I didn't know how to speak Spanish. This was also very frustrating because I was not able to serve.

Winston Churchill once said, "A common language is one of the nation's most priceless inheritances" (Reagan). Currently there are organizations that share Churchill's vision: making English the official language of the United States. One of these organizations is U.S. English, Inc. Its members aim to make English the official language in order to give immigrants an opportunity to learn the English language ("U.S. English" 1). This could lead to greater success for the newcomers to the country. By learning English, immigrants will be acquiring an important tool they can use to get a better education and, as a result, a better job. It will encourage immigrants to participate in the democratic operations of the United States. They will be able to follow elections more easily if they know English, as well as understanding laws more clearly. They will have the opportunity to take on more responsibility in society and to be more successful.

The argument for an official language has been ongoing for many years. Senator S.I. Hayakawa introduced an English language amendment to Congress in 1981. His amendment would make English the official language and overrule any act or law requiring the use of any other language. According to Jon Alter, Hayakawa's opinion is this: "We can speak any language we want at the dinner table, but English is the language of public discourses." Senator Richard C. Shelby, a republican from Alabama, sponsors a bill requiring that government business and public documents are carried out and published only in English. The exceptions to his bill are in the areas of public health and safety services and judicial proceedings. If English were to be made official, it would only be required for use in Federal government operations and public commerce. English as the official language of these processes would make everything run much more smoothly in many ways.

Some may say that declaring an official language violates a person's right to freedom of speech, or that it means forcing them to give up their heritage, but that is not the case. Declaring English the official language in which government and business operations are conducted does not limit a person's freedom of speech. We are not saying you will be punished for speaking any language other than English, nor are we taking away the cultural backgrounds of immigrants. Celebrations and beliefs will still be preserved. We are only providing immigrants the means for a better chance of inclusion and success.

As immigration, both legal and illegal, brings a flood of foreign speech into the U.S., a campaign to make English our nation's official language gathers more and more strength. The importance of preserving our own cultural backgrounds, including native languages, is not being overlooked. There is, however a major problem with communication and unity within the country.

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