Friday, October 4, 2013
Arguing Language
Provide us with a point that you plan to make in regards to whether or not language should be legislated in America. Make ONE claim and provide evidence. You will make a lot of claims in your paper, I am asking that you make just one here. It will hopefully open a discussion about language and some reasons why it should or should not be legislated. What is your opinion? Again, make one claim with evidence.
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I feel that one reason we should not enforce English as a national language is because it takes away from the heritage and culture of the many diverse groups that make up the United States. Passing the English Only Movement would take away the heterogenous groups that make our country unique. To force citizens to give up or loose a part of who they are is not what America stands for. Many older immigrants bring their families here to give them a better life. It is often difficult for elderly people to learn a new language, especially the English language which proves to be very difficult. While I believe that it should be highly encouraged for everyone to be proficient in the English language, even as a second language; I do not believe that it should be a law.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with your point that all should be fluent in English. However, I disagree that it should not be the official language. One thing to consider is that it was never stated flat out that making English the official language would mean banning other languages. Admittedly, the many diverse cultures and languages are what make America what it is, but there is also a definitive barrier between those who speak different languages. Good job on sparking ideas, Jolene!
DeleteJolene, I loved your use of the word heterogeneous to describe our country's many people. You had many good points, and I understand your point about how it should most definitely be encouraged that people learn the English Language. Good thoughts!
DeleteJolene, I agree with you completely! I also like how you described our country as heterogeneous. I really like your line "To force citizens to give up or loose a part of who they are is not what America stands for." I think it really gets your point across to your audience. Great job on your opinion!
DeleteJolene,
DeleteI definitely agree with your point that enforcing language upon people will take away from the uniqueness of our country. You also make an outstanding point when you explain how challenging it would be to force elderly people to learn an entirely new language. Nice blog!
When Christopher Columbus founded America in 1492, the primary language was English. As time continued and the twenty-first century came into play, the amount of English speaking people started to decrease, as the number of foreign speaking people grew larger.
ReplyDeleteJust as Marjorie Agosin wrote in "Always Living in Spanish", it is important to stay true to your heritage and where you come from. Although this is true, I believe that having one primary language would solve many problems and complications in the United States.
For example, I believe that it is important for all government officials to speak English. Why government officials over anyone else? I believe that congressmen, state representatives, secret service, etc need to speak English so that there is no confusion with what is being debated or legislated. After all, the President delivers his inaugural address in English.
Having one designated language in the United States would be very beneficial because it would help to minimize the amount of disarray caused by the the various different tongues. I believe that English should be made the official language of the United States.
Jessica, even though we are arguing opposite topics, your points and references are very good! From the sounds of it your paper is going to be very strong looking at the history of our language. I felt this was a tough subject to choose which way to persuade, but nice job describing your claim!
DeleteLove, love, love all of the references the difficulties we face due to different languages! I really liked the straightforward opinion at the end as well. However, I feel like you really could have built on it. There was a lot of potential, and I look forward to the paper itself. Fantabulous job, Jessie!
DeleteJessica, I agree that staying true to one's heritage is important, just as staying true to one's beliefs is important. Your point about government officials speaking English is very good. It is important that the people making the crucial decisions know how to speak and manipulate the English language. I do not want some foreign speaker making the important decisions of an English speaking country. Nice job Jessica!
DeleteJessica, I agree completely with the fact that the government officials should have to be able to speak English. I do not however think that for them to have to speak English that there has to be a law made to make English the national language. You argued your point very well though, great job!
DeleteWhen America was originally founded, it was intended for those who wanted to be free. Our nation was meant to welcome many diverse cultures. We didn't come together to force one another to see what we see. The United States was formed to achieve a common goal, freedoms.
ReplyDeleteFor the longest time there has been a nation wide argument on whether the United States should have a national language or not. Looking back on what the original intent of America, having a national language would completely go against what we believe in. This is a free country. To make one would not change anything except for the respect that will be lost from many citizens. The government isn't going to stop its citizens from speaking whatever language they please.
If there isn't a national religion, why should there be a national language? The making of a national language will only engage the citizens that want to keep their heritage true to them. If this country is going to stick close to its roots, then it will not make English the national language because we are a country built on the belief of free will and diversity.
Erin, we feel basically the same on this topic. America should not be able to force it's citizens to speak one language only. Even though I agree English should be able to be spoken by everyone, it would take away the freedom that America stands for. Your examples are good and I think your argument has great potential!
DeleteErin, you say "when this country was originally founded, it was intended for those who wanted to be free. Our nation was meant to welcome many diverse cultures." I agree that when this country was founded it wanted to be free; however it wanted to be free from religious persecution, not language persecution. The founding fathers did not have to deal with multilingual problems because there were none.
DeleteAlso, your opinion on national religion compared to national language is irrelevant. This is a nation of many religions, not many languages. Around 85% of this nation speaks English in the first place. Furthermore, establishing an official language will not “strip anyone of their heritage”, it may strip them of their language, but this is the United States, not Spain, Mexico, or Brazil. Hispanics can still celebrate their traditions while the official language of the United States is English.
Sorry I have to disagree with you Erin. I enjoy and admire your opinion, I just disagree with it. Good work!
Erin, you raised the point of the United States not having one specific religion that was to be followed. If you think about that concept though, what really is religion? Religion is simply something that is believed to be true. If we have all of these different religions, that means that we have different beliefs.
DeleteIn your second paragraph, you said that "having a national language would completely go against what we believe in". But if we all believe in different things, how can one language go against every single on of those divergent beliefs?
I loved, however, your first paragraph. You mentioned not forcing someone else to see exactly what you see. I think that it was an excellent point and a great way to start off your blog.
For several years now, there has been an ongoing debate about making English the official language in America. The argument teeters like a tight rope walker as they stumble precariously over the void. Neither side seems willing to concede. There are two valid points to consider. English is the number one language spoken in America, and it is also the one of the few, if not the only, country that does not have an official language. On the other hand, America was founded on the idea that every human has basic rights, including freedom of speech. America should have English as the official language, but it should not be enforced as the only language.
ReplyDeleteHaving one language is very important. It is key that all Americans are able to communicate and understand each other. Words are one of the few ways that people can express their feelings. If words are useless, what then can a person do to make others understand? A life of constant charades would be rather exhausting. Accidents occur every year because of miscommunications from language hindrances. Oftentimes during interrogations by law enforcements, innocents are unable to properly defend themselves because they do not have the words.
Those in the government should also be fluent in English. Every speech to the American people is delivered in English. As Theodore Roosevelt once said: "We must also have but one language. That must be the language of the Declaration of Independence, of Washington's Farewell address, of Lincoln's Gettysburg speech and second inaugural." All important documents in American history have been written in English. For an official to argue their point they need to be able to communicate with the rest of Congress.
"Translators are not traitors, as the proverb says, but rather splendid friends in this great human community of language"- Marjorie Agosin. It is remarkable to have so many different languages in one country. America is the cultural platter of the world, and that is what makes it so special. Other languages should not be banned or hidden behind musty curtains coated with dust and grime. Rather they should be exalted as the filling to the decadent cake that is America. English should be spoken and understood by all Americans, but other languages should continue to endure.
Meaghan, this is an incredible perspective! This was very well written, and I am literally sitting here in awe. I loved how you started off saying "The argument teeters like a tight rope walker as they stumble precariously over the void. Neither side seems willing to concede." It really eased me, as the reader, into what you had to say. I like how you compromised between the two opposing sides, almost like finding a "happy medium". I agree that the ability to communicate with each other is very essential, and I liked your statement, "A life of constant charades would be rather exhausting." You finished your claim strongly in the last paragraph, and it was an eye-opener for me. There are a few ideas that I need to reconsider after viewing your opinion.
DeleteMeaghan, your point of view was very refreshing and I stayed interested in what you had to say the entire time. Great job on referring to past articles by including direct quotes. Keep up the great work!
Meaghan, even though I am arguing that English should not be made the official language, you did a fantastic job at making a compromise between the two. I suppose having a national language doesn't mean that you can't speak another language. The grey area you argued was a very happy medium. I thoroughly enjoyed your quotes and examples because you knew exactly what you wanted to say and you got your point across very well. Great work!
DeleteMegs, you compared the debate on whether or not English should be legislated in America to a tight rope walker stumbling across the rope in the middle, not knowing whether to go back or to travel the rest of the way. I have to agree with you, government personal should learn to speak English and should be able to do so fluently.
DeleteI couldn't agree more with words having so much meaning. Language has always been a barricade when it came to communicating between people of different heritages and backgrounds. You said that if words can't be used, what can be to make others understand what you are saying. This is so true! Although sign language or pictures are an option, most people don't know ASL or can't draw. So you were right, without one language, words are useless.
Your last sentence, however, I was not so fond of. How can other languages be encouraged when one must be able to speak and comprehend another language. As Jolene said in her blog above, it is difficult for the elderly to learn new things, is it really fair to make them learn it too? Other than that, good work!
Meaghan, although I disagree with you on some points, you did a superb job! I see where you are going on this topic and I think you are doing absolutely wonderful! The grey area is a difficult point of view but you are definitely getting your point across.
DeleteAgreeing with Erin about having an official language does not mean no other languages can be spoken. Your final sentence is a very good point, and I agree with it.
Even though we have different opinions, I truly enjoyed reading yours!
I believe that English should be the official language of the United States. I feel that the majority of the United States, the White and Black races, should not have to be bothered with minority languages. Why should the majority feel like they have to compensate for the few, how about the few compensate for the majority? As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language.”
ReplyDeleteNow when I said majority I really did mean “majority”. These numbers are based off the 2010 census because the more current census cannot be accessed due to the government shutdown, but the numbers still should be considered current. The percentage of White Americans in the United States is about 74.4%, and the percentage of Black Americans is about 12.6%.Thus, the combined percentage of the English speakers would equal 87%. If 87% of the nation is already speaking English, what is the hold up?
If we look at other nations, such as Brazil and Germany we can see that they have official languages. Brazil’s official language is Portuguese, and Germany’s official language is German. Both countries have unified around one central language. Around 85% of the United Nations members have adopted official languages. An official language unifies a nation.
The facts are all present. The majority of the United States speaks English. It has been the common language of this nation since the founding father’s signed the Declaration of Independence. One common language, one English language would make it easier communicate and interact with one another. The few Spanish or Indian speaking need to adjust to the American way; quoting Theodore Roosevelt once more, “we must have but one flag.”
If one were to expand on Theodore Roosevelt’s words about “one flag”, one might begin to think. If we have no official language, then what is the point of having an official flag? Why not throw some Spanish and Native American symbols onto our flag to accommodate the minority? If we cannot even stand up for our English language, how can we stand up for our country’s flag?
Ian, even though we are arguing from different points of views, I thoroughly enjoyed your claim and supporting evidence. You did an exceptional job of validating your point through solid statistics. I can tell you have done your research! Great job on including quotes from Theodore Roosevelt, also!
DeleteKeep up the good work, Ian! You left me with some interesting points to consider and I respect your opinion.
Ian, I completely agree 100% with your post. The majority of the Unites States should not have to compensate for the minorities. I also enjoyed how you quoted Teddy Roosevelt, even back then he was thinking of English being the official language.
DeleteIan, I agree with everything you said. I also really enjoyed you Theodore Roosevelt quote. I also like how you brought statistics into your post. Nice Job.
DeleteIan, as much as I agree with what you are saying. You're in good company with me about how much easier it would be if we all had one language. I loved how you mentioned the census and all of the statistics with the different races. It really made your point easier to understand and agree with even if you were arguing from a different angle. I look forward to reading the rest of your paper!
DeleteI do not believe that language should be legislated in America; after all, it is a free country. People came to this land in search of opportunities and a better life that would be free of pointless laws, like what language a person should speak. The majority of the people in the United States speak English, but there should not be a law limiting the other languages.
ReplyDeleteAmerica is often referred to as a "melting pot" for several reasons. A group of people was formed and united together even though they had different backgrounds. In this country, the people are made up of a variety of cultures, nationalities, and ethnicities. Eventually, everyone was blended or "melted" together into one massive community -- the American people. The languages of the people go hand-in-hand with the diversity of this nation.
God originally intended that each individual should be unique and special in some way. One way for people to express themselves is through their tongue. There is not one language that is any greater than another. A person should not feel ashamed by the way he or she speaks, as displayed in Amy Tan's inspirational story titled "Mother Tongue". I feel that if English becomes the national language of American, even though other languages won't technically be "banned", immigrants and other foreign language speakers will be looked down upon. Some people are already facing hardships and harassment for the language they speak, I can only imagine how difficult it would be to live in the United States after a law like this would be passed.
This debate has been continuous and ongoing for quite some time now. I, personally, believe that it would be wonderful if everyone in the United States could read, write, and speak in the English language; however, that is not a realistic goal. After all, America is a very culturally diverse country. Many nations have an "Official Language", but I do not believe that it represents what America stands for; therefore, I do not believe that a legislative language should apply to the United States or even be appropriate for this "melting pot".
Sam, it was interesting to read a different viewpoint on the English language. You refer to as America as a 'melting pot.' However, why does it have to be that way? Why America as the melting pot? The minorities need to learn the English language and save their native tongues for family and personal situations only.
DeleteOverall, I do respect (but not agree) with your opinion, and I could tell you thought a lot when your were posting your blog.
Sam, I agree with your point of view. I too see the United States as a melting pot and even referred to it as that in my posting. If the language of the United States was legislated it would ruin the ethnic identity of many of the country's people. Yes, the United States was founded by dominant English speakers but why should that limit our diversity? We are to accept everyone as equal as our laws state, that does not just include the English speaking part of our country but every citizen.
DeleteI firmly believe that English should be legislated in America as the primary language. It would make life much more simpler and practical. It seems to make complete sense to me; why would the majority of the Unites States have to cater to the minorities?
ReplyDeleteI believe that everyone in America should know how to speak fluently in English. When President Obama addressed the nation on TV about the Syria situation, he spoke in English. Therefore, anyone that did not know English wouldn't be able to understand him without a translator. Because of this, I think it should be mandated that minority groups should have to learn the English language, rather than the majority of the US learn a minority language such as Spanish.
Now don't get me wrong, I believe that it is also important for Americans to be familiar with other languages through school, it will definitely help them in the job field, but knowing a second language should not have to come into play when visiting parts of the United States such as Texas or New Mexico.
Relating to what Ian said above, the founding fathers of our country did not speak Spanish, German, or any Indian languages, they all spoke fluently in English. I believe it is important to keep the English language alive since it has been around for so long. One of the crucial ways of doing so is making English the official language of the United States. When the Irish and Germans came over to America, they spoke their former county's language. However, they learned that in order to make it in America, they would have to adjust and learn the English language. The minorities of today's America should do the same thing if they want to be successful. The minority groups can save their native languages for personal and family times.
Tori, I understand what you are trying to say because I agree immigrants should learn English when they come over, I still don't believe language should be legislated. The founding fathers came from English speaking nations before the United States was founded so of course they spoke English. If the founding fathers would have been and spoke Spanish, Chinese, or Russian would it not have been the same situation? I believe just because the nation was founded by English speaking people does not mean we should shut down the other nationalities, do not forget as a country on a whole we are a mixture of every culture.
DeletePersonally, I do not believe the language someone speaks in the United States should be legislated. Along with that, I still do believe immigrants and foreigners should learn English when they move here. The United States has been called the melting pot for hundreds of years, we need to embrace it now just like before.
ReplyDeleteBecause we are the melting pot we have influences from all over the world living within our borders. Little epicenters have been formed to preserve the heritage and culture of many different nationalities. In "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan, she speaks a different English with her family than with anyone else. the English she does speak allows them to communicate with each other in a special way just as the people in China Town, Little Italy, New Orleans, and Miami, are able to as a result from their shared lineages. These areas help to keep their culture alive and the people engaged in it. In "Always Living in Spanish" by Marjorie Agosin she wrote in Spanish, not because she didn't know English but because it was the only way she could fully express how she felt. Her writing and nightly star gazing kept her active in the Chilean culture as her house served the purpose of a mini epicenter.
If the government legislates the language its citizens speak then how much longer will it be until they legislate the language they write in or read? This is a slippery slope in which one misstep could send the United States into a big problem. The legislation of English could very strongly effect our country's cultural epicenters causing their cultural influence to be lost. Without these influences the United States will no longer be the country it was meant to be, the world's melting pot.
Erin, I love the points and arguments you brought up in your essay. This issue is definitely a slippery slope and needs to be handled carefully. I also really liked your statement about our wealth of influential people and resources living in our borders. Excellent work!
DeleteOur country is known for being culturally and racially diverse. We welcome each new American with the Golden Gate Bridge on the western coast and the Statue of Liberty of the eastern. And engraved on the base of Lady Liberty is found these lines from the poem “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus:
ReplyDelete“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
We requested of other countries to send us their unwanted, the mean, women, and children who were not deemed acceptable in their society to our doors where we would welcome them with open arms. Our country was established by people who were disgusted with the discrimination they had endured in their home countries, and wanted to create a life where they would be free to live as they chose, worship as they chose, and speak as they chose. The argument of the official language of America has been argued for many years with no visible conclusion. I do not believe that any law should be passed that mandates the establishment of English as the official language of the United States.
In our class, none of us can make the claim that English is the second language in our home, nor can we claim that we have two languages spoken in our houses either. Sure, some of our relatives may speak a little German, Italian, or other language in the comfort of our homes, but they still understand the English language. We do not switch between languages like one would switch outfits as people with two language homes can. Keeping this in mind, we must put ourselves in their position. By making English the primary language of our country, we are sending the message that it is the only acceptable language, and everyone else should be ashamed of their heritage.
Not all people have the ability to learn a new language. The elderly, for example, do not have the learning capacity at this point in their lives to learn English. Some people simply do not have the resources. If our government wants its people to speak English, they are going to have to provide free, not fairly reasonably priced, ways for these people to learn it. Many of the immigrants who come here from foreign countries are escaping oppression and poverty, they do not have the money to purchase Rosetta Stone or attend classes at a school that requires payment. They are still trying to establish firm roots in our country so they can live here without worry.
America is a melting pot. We have people of every race, religion, and culture in our borders, and we claim we like it that way. We have supported areas of cultural integrity like the Chinese section of New York City, known commonly as China Town, and other areas like it. So why do we labor the need for a nationwide language that will take away people’s heritage? Our country is one of the strongest countries in the world because we are founded on integrity, acceptance, and mutual respect for all walks of life. We need to remember our roots and allow for America to be one of the few countries that does not mandate a specific language for its people.
Wow! For a second you almost changed my entire opinion. Your use of the poem that is on the Statue of Liberty was fantastic! It is absolutely beautiful. You have a really good point, but at the same time they did come to our country. We can still be a melting pot even if we all speak the same language. There are other things that set people apart. Great job, though. I loved it!
DeleteI believe that English should be legislated in the United States of America. Making English the official language of America would bring the country closer together. If everyone spoke English it would make people all be able to understand each other and overall make communicating with people throughout the country. I also don't believe that making the national language English would take away from anyone's background. There is no rule saying you can't be bilingual or even know more languages. Making the entire country know the same language would make life in the U.S. much easier.
ReplyDeleteAustin,
DeleteI agree that making everyone speak the same language would make life easier in the aspect of communication. Although it would make life easier for people already speaking English, it would be difficult for non-English speaking people. Another thing to think about is the customs of different ethnic groups. I think you have a good idea of the situation, but you also should consider the possible consequences that could come out of making English the national language.
I firmly believe that English should not be the official language for the United States. As a free country, the United States should not enforce an official language to be spoken by all people.
ReplyDeleteWhen there is a designated language to be spoken, some languages and cultures are lost. Shouldn't people be embracing their heritage and culture rather than learning a new one? Also, having English as the official language in the U.S. would simply kill off the vast diversity of cultures our country has gained. Tom Colls noted, "What we lose is essentially an enormous cultural heritage, the way of expressing the relationship with nature, with the world, between themselves in the framework of their families, their kin people," in his article "The Death of Language?".
English is definitely a good choice for a second language for all people, but it should not be necessary to be spoken by those living in the United States. Having one official language would be like telling someone their religion or skin color was wrong. There is no wrong language in the U.S. now, and there should never be a wrong language.
Natalie, Although I disagree with you on whether English should be the national language. You made some very good points such as when you said cultures are lost. Nice work.
DeleteNatalie, you have a very good point but the lack if one common language creates way to many problems. I agree that the loss of others heritage would be devastating, but maybe the change is necessary to keep America moving in the right direction. You're blog was good, though. It was nice to see you use a direct quote.
DeleteI completely agree with you, Natalie! We should never lose who we are to please someone else, no matter who it is. You made some great points, and I love the quote you added in. Excellent job!
DeleteThe argument of an American language dates back to the time when the United States were first created. It is nothing new, although it has continued to intensify as the number of immigrants rise. As expected these immigrants speak their own languages and, if and when they have children, their offspring are taught that language from birth. How are they supposed to adapt in schools?
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious that a child will struggle to learn English if it is not the language spoken in their household because their family will not understand it. Statistics show that a child who practices speaking English at home is more likely to succeed in learning the language than a child who cannot or will not speak it with their family. This may not seem to be a huge problem but a census from 2006 revealed that their are over fifteen million children born to immigrants that must face this struggle if they want to attend school. In Texas, children that face the language barrier are forced to take the Texas Assesment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). On average, 82% fail. Those who fail must either take it again or drop out of school.
These children are struggling. Most are being torn between the English world at school and their families world at home. 40% of immigrant fathers never graduated from high school so they will not be able to help their child with their homework, especially if it is in English. The solution is clear. As hard as it may be, English must become the language of America. We must be united under one tongue.
Although I do not agree with you, I really enjoyed reading this. You made some really good points! I love how you focused this on the kids, America's future. Good job, Ann!
DeleteThe United States is known for many great things. We are known for freedom, independence, and also for being a "melting pot." People from all over the entire world come together in one big, lovely mess here in the good old United States. The reason we have so many different people here is because there is something for everyone. Together, everyone mixes in a little bit of their past, history, traditions, beliefs and more into the wonderful mixture we have created, known as the United States. The Language we speak is a part of who we are, therefor it is a part of our country. Multiple languages are spoken here, with English as our main language. However there has been talk about an "English Only Movement," or an "Official English Movement." While I do think that it is a great idea for everyone to be able to speak English, I do not agree that it should be mandatory.
ReplyDeleteIf everyone could speak English, we could all communicate much easier with each other. It would make everyday life a bit easier, however we can not force this upon other people. We do not have that right. First of all, who can determine the ability of someone to learn a new language? The older you get, the harder it is. An elderly citizen's priority should be on important things, like their health and their family, rather than trying to learn a new language that they may not even use. Also, what if a person is not mentally capable of learning a new language? There are so many details that play into a persons ability to learn that we can not determine.
We are the United States. We have no limits. We have no restrictions. We are free. One thing often leads to another. If the peoples freedom of speech is taken away, what else will be taken away? Over time, will our religion choices be limited, what about race? Will we repeat the past and have racial issues once again? The domino effect can happen at anytime. As of right now, there are no real problems resulting from people speaking their preferred language, therefor I don't see reason for any action to be made.
I believe that they should not enforce a language on the population of the United States. I believe this because our country has a great variety of cultures and heritages. If they force English upon all of the population than the other cultures will fail. People of diverse ethnicities would also be offended because they would not be able to speak the language of their ancestors. One example of how this would affect non-english speaking groups would be the Spanish speaking people. They would be forced to learn an entirely new language, regardless of their age. Overall, this law would be difficult to enforce because of the complications that it would cause, and the groups it may offend.
ReplyDelete