Even where two languages are quite similar and one can function perfectly in either of them, things feel different in different languages [2, p.367-368]. It’s rare to come across people who are not glad to be bilingual. And this fact has real grounds to stand on. So what are the possible advantages of being bilingual? To start with I’d like to say that bilingualism can increase one’s opportunities and choice.
Lebanese people using words such as “cuz” for “cousin “ or Afghan origin people using the word “bachem” for brother in English. This allows for people to convey their ethnicity and culture to others, which would not have been possible if Standard English was used due to the strict rules that govern how it is used. Furthermore although Standard English is more widely comprehended due to having an agreed standard for grammar, vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation and conventions of use at times other non-standard forms of English can convey more specific meanings. As K Burridge states “clearly Standard English is perceived to be intrinsically superior to other varieties. Yet examples are easy to find where non-standard
The second reason people should be required to speak English in the US is so that they could be able to get a lot better paying jobs. For example, the larger majority of the jobs in America require you to speak fluent English, just for communicating. You wouldn't even be able to apply for one because you wouldn't be able to fill out the application. It would also be in the interest of people because most people who do not speak English have poorer paying jobs because there aren’t a whole lot of them. If they were able to learn to speak English, they would be able to get a better job, then a better house, then eventually a better life in general.
To recognize the historical fact that the United Sates has been an overwhelmingly English speaking nation since it was created and that its constitution and foundational documents are in English. 5. To recognize that while the people of the United States value and respect diversity, they want to preserve English as their common language and therefore immigrants have the responsibility to learn English. 6. To conform to the majority of the states (31) that already have made English their official language.
Designating English as the official language of the United States Limited Topic: Should English be the only language of the United State? Proposed Claim: Yes, I do think that English should be the primary language in the United States, but having other tongues in America will benefit our economy and expand our global trade. As far as just knowing one language will only limit our expansion on global trade and not be as successful in our business. The United States was at one point created by many different cultures and their languages, and yes there will always be many different cultures in America, but the English language is the only one that we should all know and learn. One of the most successful businesses in the world for example is Nike and McDonald’s which have open new horizons to our trade center.
That is your right in this great nation we live in. As for me, I would like to take this opportunity to present you with the reasons why I am passionately a supporter of making English the official language of the United States. In this paper you will learn about some vital arguments for and against making English the official language. This paper will show you the affect not having an official language has on taxpayers, how it affects logistics within our nation and how the lack of a standardized language in the conduct of business has a significant impact on our nation that can not be ignored any longer. I feel we need an official language placed into law now!
American Multilingualism In comparison to the rest of the world, the United States has often been perceived as a country that is lazy when it comes to speaking languages other than English. As an American, it is somewhat rare to meet someone from the United States who has been educated on languages other than English to the point of fluency. Most Americans believe that foreigners should speak English, or that because most people outside the United States do speak English, why should we learn their language? Although foreign language education programs are becoming more popular in American elementary schools, the prevalence of multilingualism in the United States is still lacking; we could do a much better job in promoting the education of foreign language. The “English-only” attitude of many American citizens continues to halt the promotion and progression of multilingual improvement.
The nation’s leading English language advocates ProEnglish are the spearhead of the movement to make English the official language of not only individual states but the country as a whole. They define their mission as “We work through the courts and in the court of public opinion to defend English's historic role as America's common, unifying language, and to persuade lawmakers to adopt English as the official language at all levels of government.” (ProEnglish, 2012) Their viewpoint is shared by many conservative Americans such as members of the Republican and Tea Party. These groups believe that the English language is a sign of unity in the country and “for newcomers, it has always been the fastest route to prosperity in America.” (GOP, 2008)
I think so, even though people maybe think otherwise. Without the English language where would we be? Who knows, we could all be speaking French or Spanish, however that is not the case. Reality is, the English language is one of the world’s official languages and it is the official language in a lot of countries. English is also the dominant business language and it is necessary for people to speak English if they are to enter a global workforce.
Recently Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi created headlines by saying, “achieving world-class excellence demands that all Japanese acquire a working knowledge of English.” (Masci, N.p) He not only went on to say that English should be the nation’s official second language but also suggested the alternative was to be left behind in the global race to prosperity. (Masci,N.p) So while other countries are clearly embracing English as a necessary language of the future, the United States continues to embrace multiple languages and, in fact, encourages it. In a recent article by Joe Castaldo, he states that German and Japanese based companies choose English as a primary language of their business and employees. (Castaldo, N.p) In fact, deviating from the “English Only” policy has severe consequences. (Castaldo, N.p) The article concludes that companies with global aspirations have no choice but to use English as the language of business.