Language and culture:The debate about "English-only" in America
America being the "melting pot" that it is is made up of several groups and individuals from diverse cultures and heritage, bringing with them their family history as well as their native language. But when did many citizens get to a point in the United States where the phrase, "Speak American!" (as a command) was a suitable way to address people from contrasting backgrounds?
In all technicality America has no official language and our English vocabulary is not one that is native to the United States. In fact this language is originally from England and in terms of American legislature language wise, when any citizen votes in the US it is officially endorsed that it is a right to have a voter’s ballot in any language preferred, and it is the responsibility of the state or federal agency to provide such a document. So the initial statement that many conservative views have in contempt against other languages being spoken is one that is narrow minded.
That being said however, one language being spoken does make things a lot easier legally and within everyday circumstances such as using goods and services and helps ease the nerves of those confronted with the unknown. So while we do have a right to speak our own language it is good to be multilingual in learning how to speak English to better communicate concerns and views with people of different backgrounds so that stigmas can be torn down and we can be communal and respectful as a whole.
In the end it is up to those individuals of whether they choose to speak with the language they grew up with or to become assimilated into this melting-pot culture. No matter what though, as citizens of the United States welcoming those with different languages and backgrounds should be our duty because once in our line of ancestors we did not "Speak American" either.
I like that you mentioned how culture is something of a combination of many variables in America and this creates a major reason for not having an "official" language or one way to do everyday things. I've always viewed the phrase "speak american" as being something that is said out of severe ignorance or tasteless humor. The more common way of addressing non-English speakers in America to "speak English" or "learn the language", though it sounds less uneducated, can still be taken as being aggressive in certain situations because it seems to only target certain groups. I find this to be unnecessary in most situations since, like you mentioned, we technically don't have an official language so it shouldn't be a huge issues just because one language does happen to be more used. I also did not know about voter's ballot information and would like to look more into that so thank you for providing it.
ReplyDeleteI would like to draw attention your point involving "speaking American" and the origin of the English language. Those who believe that all languages should be obsolete because it is not American should be reminded that American English comes from England, meaning the U.S. technically has no official language. The fact that there are so many different languages currently spoken in this country almost makes it seem like were do have the right to say English should be the only language spoken here. Sure, making everyone speak the same language would definitely eliminate a number of communication issues, but in order for that to happen, those who don't know English need to learn to speak the language, perhaps by learning it in school.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is easier to have one language for everything in America, it is certainly not the best solution. It’s not the best solution since there’s plenty of people who are from different part of the world and bring its language with them. Due to our diversity of citizens and people from around the world who’s visiting the country, it is probably why our country doesn’t have an official language. Totally agree with your last paragraph because the “American” language has changed over time and compared from then our language has become more ‘informal’. Also, it’s great to know that voters can chose their ballot in any language that they prefer.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThe research you’ve provided is very interesting. I like how you added the different ways we can say “hello” in different parts of the world. There is a lot of languages spoken in American, and it makes it seem like we all should be able to speak English. I didn’t know voters can chose their ballots in the language the speak or read. I agree, by making everyone speak the same language it would help with communication issues. I also agree with your last paragraph about how American language has changed over time and how English is compared.
-Abril Harris-Roa