Bilingualism In America Essay

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Bilingualism in America essay: Should, English be the only language? That is a question that is argued over frequently, especially in the United States. Hayakawa supports that English being declared our official language can do no harm, stating this, “While it is certainly true that our love of freedom and our devotion to democratic principles help to unite and give us a mutual purpose, it is English, our common language, that enables us to discuss our views and allows us to maintain a well informed electorate” (Hayakawa 389). If any person is knowledgeable enough to talk on bilingualism it would be Hayakawa, his track record and life events speak for themselves. Hayakawa is a well educated teacher of linguistics, an author on language theory books and a leader in the effort to make English the official language of the United States. Mr. Hayakawa knows a little about the subject having spent most of his time dealing with it, he is an established bonafide individual. Hayakawa believes strongly that English should be made as the official language in the United States and if that came to be our nation will be more unified. Robert D. King opposes Hayakawa’s views and believes that the English controversy is not a problem stating this, “We like to believe that to pass a law is to change behavior; but passing laws about language, in a free society, almost never changes attitudes or behavior” (King 386). King does not see immigrants as a threat, there will always be immigrants and sooner or later they will learn and become accustomed to the language. The first generation immigrant might struggle with English, but more than likely their American born children will learn English just fine. Mr. King is another gentleman with enough knowledge to speak on the maters of bilingualism. Mr. King a scholar and a teacher of linguistics knows more than most on the subject of

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