Should English Be The Official Language?
That may sound rhetorical since
English is assumed to be that language. The USA is a very diverse nation.
Within that diversity is a multitude of languages. However, I believe that a
single language is the unifying force that binds the people to the culture that
is the USA. This is something that deserves debate.
Having a fluency in a language of the
country of one’s citizenship or legal residence is a critical necessity. All business
done at a government agency either online or at the facility should be
conducted in the official language. One should learn the language, not have the
taxpayer fund services to be provided in a language you understand. This may
sound very narrow minded from someone who is native born here and English is
the language I have had since birth.
I know this issue brings out
overtones of cultural differences. People come to the USA for the opportunity.
It is a vast melting pot. One should never forget their heritage. You should
celebrate your heritage. However, you are here and English is the common denominator.
It Is not meant to demean your
language or take away from it in any way shape or form. I am a very strong
believer that children should be trained in other languages right from the
start of their education. Is very important that one be able to converse in
another language. Understanding the world through another language is what will
help the USA be a better place.
People came to the US for the
opportunity. They should join it, not have it join them. If I were to go live
in another country, I would not expect the government agencies to speak English
to conduct business. There can be any number of organizations who can support
someone in understanding or translating things to English. It is not the
taxpayer’s responsibility to give you what you need in your language.
I am more than willing to have a debate
on this. It is hard to discuss topics of this nature without someone eventually
bringing up not having sensitivity for others. I would hope that would not be
the case. My intent here is to stimulate discussion on having a designated
national language as the unifying aspect to the melting pot that is the USA.
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