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Issue
in question: Should English be legally designated as this nation’s official
language? First, a definition of an OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: An
Official Language is a language that is designated as
"official" by the government, usually through legislation. The use
of this language (English, in the case of our country) is required in
all official government communications - spoken and written. Some of the Official Language’s required
uses would extend to laws, traffic signs, voting materials, product labels,
warning signs, storefront signage, driver’s license exams, job applications,
educational opportunities, court documents, representation in court, public
assistance applications, and other official and legal forms. A country that
adopts an official language does not recognize any other language as an
official or legal means of communication nor does the government require or
provide any translations or translation assistance in regard to products,
services, or policies. Two sample student essays, one supporting,
and one opposing the issue follow. Below:
Sample student essay supporting the proposition that English be legally
designated as this nation’s official language. To Melt or Not to Melt. Why is There a Question? America has been
referred to as a great "melting pot." Melted we are in cultures and
diversities each unique that makes us Americans. The language that is taught
in our schools and the language that our government has always used is the
English. Even as our America or our United States changes under cultural
diversity, I believe that English should be legally designated the official
language of the United States. I believe that there
are already great concessions made for those that "choose" to come
to the United States, with regard to learning how to speak English. For
example there are translator services available at any office of any government
agency. If we are to expect people to learn English, then I believe that we
need to make available to them translators and classes that will aid in the
learning of the official language of the United States. Rather than use the translations provided
as a “crutch,” non-English speaking Americans should use them to learn
English. If I were to move to
France, for instance, I would need to speak French. Since it would be my choice to move to
France, it would be my responsibility to learn the official language of
French. I agree that the French
government might have the responsibility to offer me classes to learn French,
but it would not be the responsibility of the French government to change
their official language to English just to accommodate me. In the Spokane area
there is a very diverse community of people from Eastern Block countries.
Most of the people I know from Russia, Bosnia and Bulgaria, have learned to
speak English, while maintaining their own language among themselves.
Most of their children are now bilingual. When these people chose to come to
America, they took the initiative to learn English not only to respect a new
culture but also to become a successful part of our society. Their example proves that
non-English-speaking immigrants are more than capable of learning English if
they put in an effort. If you choose to live in a
country that speaks a specific language, then you had better be ready to
learn that language. It was the choice of my great-grandparents to come from
Estonia to the United States and they chose to live here and raise their
families. They also learned to speak the official language of English. I am
very proud of my Estonian heritage, but I am even prouder to be an
English-speaking American. Below:
Sample student essay opposing the proposition that English be legally
designated as this nation’s official language. Diversity—the Heart of America America has become
a “melting pot” of immigrants from many other countries. Those people came to
the U.S. to most likely seek a new found freedom full of opportunity, the
chance to make their own choices, and to change their lives for the better.
Why legally designate English as the official language of our country when
there is so much positive diversity and culture? Even though several good
reasons exist for making English the official language, there are even better
reasons for not choosing this particular language for the United States.
Having English as the official language would limit communication for our
ever-growing population. Therefore, I do not agree with designating English
as the official language of the United States of America.
Our country was built on freedom and equality. If English became the official
language, it would put those unfamiliar at a clear disadvantage. The
immigrants, or those citizens whose spoken language is not English, would
have their constitutional right of Freedom of Speech violated. Even right
here in our state of Washington, we have much cultural diversity. Take for
instance Seattle or the surrounding counties. There is a significant number
of Japanese or other Asian immigrants that came to America for freedom. If
English was the only language spoken, it would be difficult for these people
to set up shops or restaurants, obtain blue-collar jobs working in factories
or markets, or create such a high demand to be able to speak their language.
Why should immigrants change who they are just to live here, in “the land of
the free?” Many schools in the Puget Sound area now teach all levels of
Japanese. Having English as the official language would prevent children or
adults to partake in learning Japanese. I feel this would break down
communication between the cultures and possibly cause unwanted segregation. I believe in
the government’s responsibility to communicate effectively with all of its
citizens without requiring them to conform to arbitrary cultural standards or
language. If a legally designated language was chosen, not only would it
affect spoken communication, but written communication as well. I’ve thought
about how much we rely on being able to understand written communication on a
daily basis. We all use it on a daily basis, whether it’s for personal
information, or work-related business. I do not agree that if an official
language was chosen, the government would not provide translation assistance
for immigrants. This obstacle would cause much confusion and issues in
communication for those who do not understand English. I
can understand why many people would support English becoming our official
language. With such a high-rate of immigration in our country though, I would
have to oppose the designation. I believe the citizens, new or not, have the
right to preserve their cultures. Most immigrants move to the United States
in search of freedom, and the ability to make a choice in how they live their
life. Our country is so amazing because can think for ourselves, instead of
being told what to do. To be able to choose how to communicate is a freedom
that every person should be entitled to no matter where you are from. |
