The United States' official language?

[#hamler]

...is Amuricun. Lulz.

The United States is one of the few countries without an official language. The United States is made up of a ton of different races, cultures and languages. However, two conservative Republican lawmakers, Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa) and Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), introduced the English Language Unity Act of 2011, a bill that requires that all official United States government functions be conducted in English.

[Quote="Steve Kind (R-Iowa)]A common language is the most powerful unifying force known throughout history. We need to encourage assimilation of all legal immigrants in each generation. A nation divided by language cannot pull together as effectively as a people.[/quote]

Inthehouse Inhofe then added:

This legislation will provide much-needed commonality among United States citizens, regardless of heritage. As a nation built by immigrants, it is important that we share one vision and one official language.

The English Language Unity Act of 2005 (I guess similar to 2011) establishes English as the official language of the United States and would:

• Require that all official functions and proceedings of federal and state government be conducted in English, including, "all laws, public proceedings, regulations, publications, orders actions, programs and policies."
  
  
• Require that applicants for naturalization be tested on their ability to read and generally understand the English language, including the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Exceptions would be allowed in cases of asylum.
  
  
• Require that all naturalization ceremonies be conducted in English.
  
  
• Allow persons injured by violations of the Act to file suits in civil courts.

So yeah, these type of bills are proposed to congress every few years or so. You'd think they'd get the picture. Anyways...

-Should the US have an official language? What about other countries?

-What about the immigrants seeking a U.S. citizenship? Should they be required to read and understand the English language(or whatever the official language should be)?

-Do you think it's fair to force a certain language on someone who wants to live in a certain country?

-Last question, how great does LSN's name look bold?

Nice to be back in the Cigar Lounge.

 

[HBK-aholic]

There's nothing wrong with the US having an official languge. Of course you should be made to be able to speak the language before gaining American citizenship. Now, I understand that isn't practical 100% of the time. For example, someone trying to seek Asylum from a country they'd be tortured in (And I mean, actually tortured or killed, as opposed to the amount of people who lie about it to get into a country). Those people aren't likely to be able to return home, learn English, then come back, and exceptions will of course be made for those rare circumstances. They should be given temporary status and begin to learn English where they now live. But other than that, if someone like me applied to become a citizen, and I couldn't speak English, I should absolutely be denied access.

Being able to speak 2 or more languages is great. Just make sure one of them is English, and that you can use it well enough to go about daily life in America. I don't know about over there, but the amount of people who cannot speak English over here but expect you to be able to understand what they're saying is something I really hate. If you want to move somewhere, it's pretty obvious you should learn the language. I like Spain - wouldn't move there without speaking Spanish though. And to people who whine about wanting to keep their 'culture'? Well, good for you, either stay where your culture is, or speak your own language when you're not conducting business or speaking to an American who speaks English.

 

[Dagger Dias]

I support the idea of having a primary language. Sure we in the US are made up of immigrants coming from countless other countries, whether it was family members in our lifetime or an ancestor, we all came from somewhere else originally. People should be allowed to keep their heritage proudly. That being said, if they want to live HERE then they need to learn OUR language and way of life because they are choosing to live here when they could just as easily have remained in their native land. It's not unfair to force such a thing on people. Forcing someone to give up their whole heritage would be taking it too far, but asking them to learn the native language of a country they move to should be expected rather than complained about. Look at other countries for instance, who treat american tourists rudely if they don't speak their language, let alone if someone moved there.

-Last question, how great does LSN's name look bold?

It looks great. The Cigar Lounge is in good hands.

 

[Serious Mozzarella]

I think the fact that English being the central language by a vast majority is quite enough. There's no need to force a language on someone by law if they can already be motivated by the fact that life would be a lot easier for them if they just learned English on their own.

This probably doesn't apply on the border of Mexico, or parts of South Florida, but in most of the country, if you can't speak English, you can't really do anything. Not being able to communicate with people is absolute balls.

 

[Nate DaMac]

This just reads as an intelligent sounding version of "WELCUM TO AMURICAH! NOW SPEEK ENGLISH!" Seriously, we've gotten by just fine without having an official language for this long, why the fuck are we making such a big stink about this? This is another example of government officials focusing on problems that aren't actually problems while important things remain unsolved. This is NOT a fucking problem, this does NOT have to be dealt with.

Furthermore, why the fuck is it just acceptable for us to just deem English as the superior language? Is it because you can't expect us Americans to turn off the fucking TV for a little why and learn another language? Seriously, we have more resources, if anyone has the easiest path to learning a second language it's us. Not people who have been working since they came out of the womb. Odds are making 50 cents an hour isn't enough to support your family and take English classes on the side. Hey I'm as guilty as anyone, but I'm certainly not trying to tell people that you should have to learn the language I speak just to make my life easier. Learning another language should be a choose you make yourself to better your life. It shouldn't be legally enforced upon you.

On a sidenote, doesn't this eliminate a few jobs as well? If everyone speaks English then at some point the need for translating gets eliminated. Someone's losing a job somewhere.

 

[LigerBomb]

I say do it. It's perfectly fine to learn the historically predominant language of the country you've decided to immigrate to. Ultimately it could only be a help.

On to the ?uestions:

-Should the US have an official language? What about other countries?

• Sure, why not? Couldn't hurt. English would be the obvious choice.
• I don't live in any other countries i.e. I don't give a fuck.

-What about the immigrants seeking a U.S. citizenship? Should they be required to read and understand the English language(or whatever the official language should be)?

• What about them?
• Eventually, yes, they should have to meet a minimum standard –a level of basic competency. Don't prevent entry but rather allow them, say, 5 yrs. post immigration to learn and then pass an exam.

-Do you think it's fair to force a certain language on someone who wants to live in a certain country?

• Yes it's fair. No one is forcing an immigrant to come to said country. Hence if the country has a language standard it's just one more aspect of the country that one should consider before deciding to emigrate.

-Last question, how great does LSN's name look bold?

• Kiss-ass…
• Not nearly as good as mine would.

 

[LSN80]

-Should the US have an official language? What about other countries?

It's funny, because during almost every session of Congress, an amendment is proposed to the Constitution for Congress to adopt English as the official language of the United States. So far, their attempts have been quite unsuccessful. Here's the actual proposal:

"The English language shall be the official language of the United States. As the official language, the English language shall be used for all public acts including every order, resolution, vote, or election, and for all records and judicial proceedings of the Government of the United States and the governments of the several States."

I see no problem with this. Most countries do have an official language, so why shouldn't we? Most of how we operate as Americans, whether it be in relationships, work, or even writing here on Wrestlezone, is done by utilization of the English language. I think for legal and judicial purposes, its imperative to establish a universal language to maintain order.Of course, a translater could be provided for those who can't. Its just common sense as well, because 90% of our population speaks English in all social situations. Its not discriminatory, its just the way our country is.

Should the US have an official language? What about other countries?

i don't think that its a necessity, because that in itself seems discriminatory. I know we pass certain regulations of things immigrants must do so to maintain order, but those who enter our country shouldn't be forced to speak another language. However, it will effect their ability to enjoy all of the things our country has to offer. Its no different from an American who goes to Japan and can't speak Japanese, or going to Mexico and not being able to speak Spanish in some parts. It prevents a person from being able to establish true relationships in many cases, because of a language barrier.

Do you think it's fair to force a certain language on someone who wants to live in a certain country?

Fairness is subjective to the situation, but it certainly applies here. That just seems like heavy handed legislation. It would also be in violation of their cival rights, and thinking about it, their freedom of speech as well.But as I as I noted before, not being able to speak the language of the country could very well be a detriment to them, as it would limit the jobs they could get, the relationships they could establish, and even their ability to use the legal system to the best of their ability. I think it would be beneficial for them to do so, but forcing them to do so would be plain wrong.

-Last question, how great does LSN's name look bold?

I didnt notice, let me check. Damn, that's sweet!

Nice to be back in the Cigar Lounge.

Great to have you back brother.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

I really don't understand how this has become such a political issue here in the states. What's the big deal if we declare English or more appropriately "AMERICAN ENGLISH" as the official language? Why does that "offend" people? It's really just a formality, it doesn't mean we're forcing anyone to speak English that lives here.

Everyone knows the history of our country. British people who spoke English colonized the country, formed the United States, defeated the British and declared independence from the Crown. The founders of the country spoke English and that should be the official language. Honestly, what is wrong with that?

 

[Sinister Shadows]

Why is it so upsetting to people that people should learn the native language when moving to a different country... I'm not going to move to japan and refuse to learn to speak Japanese....

If you are going to live in a country, you definately should have to know the language well enough to communicate with people.

 

[Slyfox696]

I find it amusing people get upset when others move here and Americans say, "Learn the language in the country you move to". Because, clearly, that's what European settlers did when they first moved to the Americas. They learned the native languages of the land, and NEVER tried to force their own language, culture and beliefs down the throats of those already living here.

This is nothing more than a political tool to steal votes from Democrats. Most non English speaking people, as well as ESL people vote for Democrats. Notice how the measure was brought up (again) by two Republicans? In addition to being bigoted, it's also a political move to steal votes from Democrats.

The fact is, not only is it impractical for a bill like this to pass, it's reprehensible and irresponsible to let a bill like this past. Here, allow me to post a quote from Hilary Clinton on the subject:

Let me add that we faced that in the Senate last year as to whether we would or would not vote for it. The problem is that if it becomes official — instead of recognized as national which indeed it is, it is our national language — if it becomes official, that means in a place like New York City you can’t print ballots in any other language. That means you can’t have government pay for translators in hospitals so when somebody comes in with some sort of emergency there’s nobody there to help translate what their problem is for the doctors.

So many of us voted to say that English was our national language but not the official language because of the legal consequences of that.

http://irregulartimes.com/index.php...h-as-official-language-horrid-ok-better-best/

And at the end of the day, like another said, who decided English was so great? I think the English language, in comparison to some other languages, is a terrible language and not even that pretty of a language. Furthermore, if you believe the studies on the matter, in less than 50 years, there will be more Hispanic people in America than white people, and many of them will speak Mexican/Spanish. Finally, I wouldn't say that Americans use the English language anyways, but rather the American language.


So, basically, at the end of the day I think this is a waste of time bill in just about every way.

 

[LigerBomb]

Salient points to be sure

I find it amusing people get upset when others move here and Americans say, "Learn the language in the country you move to". Because, clearly, that's what European settlers did when they first moved to the Americas. They learned the native languages of the land, and NEVER tried to force their own language, culture and beliefs down the throats of those already living here.

Hypocrisy is as American as apple pie (yes, I know apple pie isn't originally American, but "…as American as Jazz Music", for instance, doesn't have as nice a ring to it)

This is nothing more than a political tool to steal votes from Democrats. Most non English speaking people, as well as ESL people vote for Democrats. Notice how the measure was brought up (again) by two Republicans? In addition to being bigoted, it's also a political move to steal votes from Democrats.

The fact is, not only is it impractical for a bill like this to pass, it's reprehensible and irresponsible to let a bill like this past. Here, allow me to post a quote from Hilary Clinton on the subject:


http://irregulartimes.com/index.php...h-as-official-language-horrid-ok-better-best/

Makes sense. And it is quite despicable. Though as compromise, if it were the official language and everything had to be conducted in (American style) English surely other language services could be offered as a "courtesy" as well. No? I haven't read the bill but I saw the obvious loophole in a lack of the word 'only'.

And at the end of the day, like another said, who decided English was so great? I think the English language, in comparison to some other languages, is a terrible language and not even that pretty of a language. Furthermore, if you believe the studies on the matter, in less than 50 years, there will be more Hispanic people in America than white people, and many of them will speak Mexican/Spanish. Finally, I wouldn't say that Americans use the English language anyways, but rather the American language.


So, basically, at the end of the day I think this is a waste of time bill in just about every way.

I sorta believe the studies –mostly. I agree that the Latin American markets/pop. are booming in the States (telenovela ratings for example) but just recently some have noticed a trend in a staggering decrease in L.A./Hispanic immigration brought on by our current long-term recession. In addition, for the sheer sake of upward mobility it's my opinion that LAs/Hispanics will assimilate more towards so-called "White America" and its culture in the next couple of generations similar to past immigration waves. Conjecture to be sure but escaping poverty usually means assimilating (barring entertainers/athletes). Will they all? No, not by a long shot, but a (once) thriving immigrant community doesn't necessarily mean that the USA = New North Mexico in 50–75 years.

As for the bit on American english it's what most of The US knows and it's how things already work. Optimal? Prettiest? I dunno, possibly not, but it is what it is. Metric conversion died what would be a similar death back in the '70s (?) simply because the current system was already too deeply embedded.

 

[#hamler]

Everyone knows the history of our country. British people who spoke English colonized the country, formed the United States, defeated the British and declared independence from the Crown. The founders of the country spoke English and that should be the official language. Honestly, what is wrong with that?

You mean The Spanish settlers who colonized Florida or the French who colonized Louisiana or the at least 20 other nations that colonized here before the English don't count?

Why is it so upsetting to people that people should learn the native language when moving to a different country... I'm not going to move to japan and refuse to learn to speak Japanese....

However, it will effect their ability to enjoy all of the things our country has to offer. Its no different from an American who goes to Japan and can't speak Japanese, or going to Mexico and not being able to speak Spanish in some parts. It prevents a person from being able to establish true relationships in many cases, because of a language barrier.

To be fair, there are at least 120,000,000 people in Japan who speak the native language compared to the 7,000,000 who don't. In the United States at least 43,000,000 people don't use english as their native language compared to the 225 Million English speaking. I get what you are saying though. (2010 Census)

We are a land of many races and cultures, what would be the point of making English the official language?

 

[ABMorales787]

Nothing wrong with it at all. Most people fear going to the States from here because they don't know English. At this point it's all but written that English is the U.S. native tongue. I'd go out and say that maybe out 150 people in the states 1 wouldn't speak proper English. Hell, up until I read this thread I always thought it was already official. Oh well, guess the point is made.

-Last question, how great does LSN's name look bold?[/b]

Suck up.

 

[JW'sGirl]

Considering the fact that pretty much every other country has an official language and if you want to become a citizen of those countries you need to know it, hell yeah America should legally make English the official language. The thing that I think is funny is how many people immigrate here and don't even try to learn the language. If you moved to a foreign country wouldn't you want to be able to communicate with the people who lived there? I would. It's not like they're telling people you can't speak your native language, all they're saying is that you have to be able to effectively communicate in English. If you want to speak Spanish or French or Chinese or whatever at home, go right ahead. Pretty much every other country in world expects you to know their language, we should too.

 

[FSWWE]

This is a good topic Hamler.

First I don't really follow the USA news, but I want to state Portugal example, for those who don't know Portuguese is the 6th most spoken language in the world (Yes, unbelievable) and it is clearly stated that Portuguese comes from Portugal, however richer and more powerful countries like Brazil also speak Portuguese instead of Brazilian or whatever.
Here I never heard about Brazil demanding a new official language, so my opinion is the same as Slyfox stated, it is a political move.

Really why the hell are they concerned about it? English is the most global language in the world, not the most spoken language, but the one that we can hear worldwide.
They should think about the economics problem and stuff.

 

[Good Golly It's Ollie]

As someone from Wales (where?) I feel kind of conflicted about this debate. It sure doesn't concern my country so sorry if I sound like I'm speaking out of turn but I would like to shed light on another perspective, that you may (or may not) find interesting.

Technically we have two official languages: Welsh and English. Except the problem is, everyone speaks English anyway - I mean more or less 99.9%, it's the de facto main language, but under our Welsh Language Act 1993 we are forced by law to treat them both equally, and when I say equally, I mean that Welsh gets preferential treatment because it's 'dying'.

Now, this has one main upside - preservation of culture. This can be good for things like promoting tourism, etc. The downsides, however, outweigh this in my view:

- Government spends a helluva lot of money on schooling and printing everything down to the road signs twice, even though everyone who understands Welsh already understands English.
- Kids are forced to learn Welsh in school when it really serves very little purpose. I wasted several hours a week because, by law, I was obligated to learn a language that I will now never use, even though I live in the Welsh capital
- Mason Ryan speaks it on Raw, no-one fuckin' understands and proves how worthless it is.

So what, you ask, does this have to do with America?

To be quite honest, fuck all, I admit. But I feel that diversity is only good when it helps, not when it hinders. And as you can see, in my country it can be a hindrance. As someone who is very pro-British unionist and in favour of a 'one world, one people' kind of mentality, I feel you should make a decision on it quickly. On the other hand what would making anything 'official' really change? If I go to America, I damn sure know that pretty much everyone I meet will speak English, right? Sure, a slightly different version of it, but one that I would understand nonetheless.

Someone mentioned Japan earlier, and I am inclined to agree that if you go to a foreign country to live on more than a temporary basis, then learn the damn tongue. But this is made more difficult if you don't know which one to learn!

 

[The Crock]

This is just unnecessary. English is the "main" language, yes, but there's no need to make it the official language. As many have already said, the United States of America is a diverse country made up of tons of different people, speaking all kinds of different languages. While all those people learn English and use it on a day to day basis, other languages are also used as well, and with every passing year people are starting to speak Spanish more than they speak English, so it won't make sense.

If they're only proposing this because most people speak English, would they change the official language when Spanish took the lead? Certainly not. Everything already works fine, nearly EVERYTHING is done in English, why do you need to make it "official?" It's just unnecessary. It's just a political ploy by Republicans to get votes from the kind of people that would support this bill, nothing more, nothing less.

 

[The Big Gunnzbowski]

And for the 1,204,238,432th time, Sly says it perfectly...

Whether English is the "official" language or not, it's not going to stop people from not learning it when coming here... How many American tourists actually learn Spanish before they go to Mexico on Vacation...honestly? Or French before going to France? This is what pisses me off... Americans go everywhere around the world and expect to be accommodated, because English is so widespread, but expect EVERYBODY to know English when they come here. Well, to these like-minded people, I say "Fuck you and have a nice day!" America is in no position to be making these stupid ass simplistic demands of the world ANYWAYS nowadays... Thanks alot, Standards and Poor!

 

[The 1-2-3 Killam]

I don't think having an "official" language is going to change the way anything is actually done in the United States. Most immigrants that want to apply for citizenship must be able to comprehend the Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution. But let's be real, how many white, English-speaking Americans actually have a full grasp of the constitution, or have looked at the Declaration for more than is necessary during high school government class?

On the other, more serious hand, I'm not sure if I agree that we need to force everyone to start learning English. Ideally, it would be great if I could understand half the people I come into contact with, but that doesn't mean I want them to be forced to speak "the language". With so many bilingual government workers and specialists out there, is it really a big deal? It's not likely that we'll have enough hispanics sitting in the Senate, that they'll start hosting Senate meetings in Spanish.

 

[The Big Gunnzbowski]

But let's be real, how many white, English-speaking Americans actually have a full grasp of the constitution,

Or on the English language...



On a serious note, this is just a wasted ploy to force the world to recognize that "English" is what we speak here. Nobody cares. Seriously... Mexicans in border towns learn English so that tourists have an easier time, so it's not that big of a freakin deal, really...

Ignorance is hilarious when it comes to grammatical errors as well! Look some of those "Good 'Ol" signs up!

 

[Paralyzer Z]

There is no officail language in the united states since there is no need for one.

if by chance that does happen it is not going to stop mexicans from coming over the border, its not going to scare immigrants away, and it wont change a damn thing. I am bilingual I can speak both english and spanish the latter being my native language. Whether we have an officail language or not things are'nt going to be affected by what language we speak.

 

[Minnesota Connection]

If we want to go by what the founding fathers had in mind..

Then YES. We should have a national language. Benjamin Franklin and other founding fathers were appalled by the German settlers who taught German to there children without even trying to speak English.

It's not that it is a racial thing with me, its just that when you go into a place and not one person speaks English, you feel like you aren't in America anymore. I've actually been kicked out of a market in Minneapolis and my girlfriend almost mugged because we were in little somalia. For those who don't know what that is, its the area in Minneapolis where most Somali's go to when the immigrate or whatever it is they do to get over here.

We were kicked out after we made a scene about her not wearing a burka.

I go to work, they speak French and Spanish. I just sit there wondering if they are hating on me or what...

Sure, switching the national language to English, WON'T solve ANY of these problems.... I just feel frustrated by my lack of understanding, when I should be in the know. I've started to learn Spanish.. I just wish that most Spanish speakers would do the same...

 

[Brahma Bull]

We speak English in America. American citizens should not suffer because immigrants never took the time to learn the language. If you cant put in the effort to learn English, why should we let you in. If costs us more money having to hire a bunch of translators and things can get lost in translation.