For some time a debate has been going on about making English the national language. I say, why not, and why is there so much debate over this?
The main point against this is that it will displease the immigrant population. Right now, to receive citizenship, all adults must past a test, in English, about common-knowledge facts about the U.S. The immigrants know this and accept this, since knowing English is important in pursuing jobs and pursuing one's interests in the U.S.
What about the areas out west that predominantly speak Spanish? Sooner or later they will have to learn English, or at least their children will. These people will not be able to confine themselves to their little towns for eternity. In my opinion, if we make it a goal to teach them English, especially at an early age, they will be more marketable in the workforce, and thus more prosperous, later in life. PArents seem to grasp this, and right now schools do a poor job at grasping this as well, so in my opinion making English a national language will finally promote the idea to American schools that it is VITAL to teach a child English, because then the child has a greater chance at being successful in his or her American life. A six-year-old child does not realize it at the time they are "forced English down their throats", but they will be grateful later in life.
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I bet you wouldn't pass a citizenship test. I know I wouldn't, and I'm fresh out of a highschool American Government class. Some of the stuff that is on those citizenship tests is not even TAUGHT in most AMERICAN highschools!
I'm an immigrant. My parents took--and passed--the citizenship test. The questions on it are what every American should know, at least know the 70% required to pass it.
That's its useless information. I mean, if they aren't even teaching alot of it to American children, it's obviously not information that is necessary to American citizens. So what if some of the history of America & it's government isn't imprinted in our/their brains? It's still possible to function in American society without it. They'd fit in better if they DIDN'T know, honestly, because so many Americans are ignorant in regards to what happens, and/or has happened, in America.
So basically I'm all for English as a national language . . .but it's completely unconstitutional. It cannot happen, and i don't necessarily agree with your thoughts on mexicans having to learn to speak english, a lot of them never do and simply use their children as translaters. It's estimated that the white majority will quickly become a minority within the next twenty-five years. I'm not gonna lie, that's scares me. It shouldn't, but it does. I think as opposed to dealing with a 'national language' we should be more worried about our immigration problem.
And as for the comments about a citizenship test. I think EVERYONE should have to take a similar test to be eligible to vote.
Making English the official national language just seems to discourage the U.S.'s transition into a truly globalized economy. It makes it feel like we think everyone else should bend to meet our standards, when the truth is U.S. citizens should be making an effort to become better global citizens.
Common sense is as rare as genius. ~Emerson
You have some good point, but why do we even need a national language? Yes, if someone who was not born into being an US citizen have to take the test in english. This is supposed to be the land of opportunites. The melting pot. I think that people can livehere and speak whatever language they want to.
Rnp2006 makes a good point. I had to take a citizens test in my Government class. We only took a small portion of it and I barely passed. The fact is that thee people who are taking this test to become an US citizen are probably smarter and more intentigent than I am. Just because they dont speak English as ther first language does not mean they don't belong here.