American Language Essay Research Paper In the

American Language Essay, Research Paper In the beginning, this country wpot. Many different people, from many different countries, of many differas a melting ent ethnic groups, speaking in many different tongues came to America. English arose as the predominant language of the United States. Over time, people realized the importance of staying in touch with their cultural backgrounds, including the language of their native countries. The main problem presented now lies in communication and interaction with each other. It is obvious that miscommunication causes problems. An ?English Only? law will unite Americans and give them all a common ground on which to communicate. It will diminish racial conflicts, as well as encourage immigrants to become involved in the U.S. society

and become successful. It will also improve the efficiency of government operations. Declaring English as the official language of the United States will resolve current issues and prevent problems in the future. The biggest and most obvious problem with speaking many different languages in one united country is communication. Many immigrants do not learn English at all. In fact, 213 different languages are spoken in the United States, and approximately 10 million U.S. residents do not speak fluent English (?English Only? 3). Some immigrants gradually pick up the language, but do not learn enough to bridge the communication gaps between themselves and the government. Even everyday communication creates tension. For example, when I go to my college library and ask for help finding

information, some of the library aides speak broken English that is difficult to decipher. The hired library aides have trouble understanding what I am trying to find and I have trouble understanding them when they try to help me out. It is a very frustrating situation for both the aides and me. Along with communication difficulties, the language barrier among immigrants contributes to racial tension and segregation. One look at the city of Chicago is a prime example of this situation. Many different cultures are isolated within the city because they cannot communicate with each other. Not having an official language encourages these concentrations of ethnic groups to stick together and not integrate themselves into society. Miscommunication among the groups generates animosity

and competition for resources. This in turn alienates the different races from each other (Schlesinger). Mandating one common language would unite these ethnic communities and allow them to communicate freely with each other and with the rest of society. Winston Churchill once said, ?A common language is one of the nation?s most priceless inheritances? (Reagan). Currently there are organizations that share Churchill?s vision: making English the official language of the United States. One of these organizations is U.S. English, Inc. Its members aim to make English the official language in order to give immigrants an opportunity to learn the English language (?U.S. English? 1). This could lead to greater success for the newcomers to the country. By learning English, immigrants will

be acquiring an important tool they can use to get a better education and, as a result, a better job. It will encourage immigrants to participate in the democratic operations of the United States. They will be able to follow elections more easily if they know English, as well as understanding laws more clearly. They will have the opportunity to take on more responsibility in society and to be more successful. The argument for an official language has been ongoing for many years. Senator S.I. Hayakawa introduced an English language amendment to Congress in 1981. His amendment would make English the official language and overrule any act or law requiring the use of any other language. According to Jon Alter, Hayakawa?s opinion is this: ?We can speak any language we want at the