English as the U.S.'s national language?
The U.S. English Incorporation wants to legally make English the United States national language. Many would agree this is a great idea because “English is the golden key of opportunity... enabling one to take full advantage... in the country...” (Molde, Brooke: English as our National Language-yes or no). I do not agree that English as our national language should be legalized—or even considered. I back my opinion firmly.
You must be wondering, isn’t English already the national language in the U.S.??? My thoughts exactly. People use it everywhere to get through each and every day of their life in the U.S. Isn’t that national enough? What more do we need?
Exactly what does the U.S. English Inc. think they’ll get out of this? First off, English becoming the national language doesn’t confirm that every immigrant will learn English for their benefit. Secondly, it will cost just as much to teach immigrants English as it does to hire translators—if not more. That will only lead to loss of jobs and an economic downfall. Thirdly, the government has documents written in many different languages. The keyword is HAS, meaning that documents have already been translated into different languages for immigrants’ understanding. Does the U.S. English Inc. want those documents ripped, trashed or burned when it has already been done for the well-being of others who do not have a good understanding of English? So if English does become ratified as the United States’ national language, how will that change anything? As I stated above, almost everyone uses it, whether they have a good understanding of English or not. If not, translators play an important and well-respected role.
On another note, who is to say that English should be the national language? The United States is a country of many nationalities, which brings traditions, customs and languages. Surely, almost everyone can speak English. Isn’t that just for communication purposes in the U.S.? How about we make Korean our national language? Dutch? Russian? Don’t I sound just as foolish as the U.S. English Inc.? Next thing we know, no language can be spoken but English. What ever happened to freedom? I thought everyone’s differences made the United States a special, precious and valuable country.
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argue with me... constructively or course
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