Why Is Designating English The Official Language Unity In The Nation
Designating an Official Language, Unity in the Nation or a Threat to Individual Liberty
Dawn Mullins
English Composition II
Instructor Bargenquast
October 15, 2012
Designating an Official Language, Unity in the Nation or a Threat to Individual Liberty?
The debate on whether designating English as the official language will unify this nation or threaten individual liberty has been an issue that is discussed among the nations masses. The definition of an official language is one that has been designated in the constitution of a country or a nation. The United States is thought of as an English speaking nation, but the voting public is divided on the issue, with some …show more content…
In order to accurately debate the issue however, it is necessary to discuss the state of affairs that currently exist in this country. Doing so will enable an individual to analyze each side of the argument and properly put things into perspective.
A 1990 census report indicates that 97% of individuals in the United States speak English. Of this population 86% are monolingual and only speak English. (U.S. Census Bureau 1990)
Of all languages spoken in the country Spanish is spoken most frequently, according to the Census …show more content…
(General Social Survey 1994)
Survey participants were also questioned as to their feelings on bilingual education. The question was “How do you feel about bilingual education? Strongly in favor, somewhat in favor, strongly opposed, somewhat oppose” Of those who answered the question 40% somewhat favored bilingual education, 27% strongly favored it, 17% somewhat opposed, 15% were strongly opposed. (General Social Survey 1994)
Another question was posed on how non-English speaking students should be taught, the question posed “There are several ideas about how to teach children who do not speak English when they enter public schools, which statement best describes how you feel?” 48% believe that students should have the option to be taught in their native language, 36% believe all classes should be taught in English, and 16% felt that students should be taught in their native language through high school. (General Social Survey
Dawn Mullins
English Composition II
Instructor Bargenquast
October 15, 2012
Designating an Official Language, Unity in the Nation or a Threat to Individual Liberty?
The debate on whether designating English as the official language will unify this nation or threaten individual liberty has been an issue that is discussed among the nations masses. The definition of an official language is one that has been designated in the constitution of a country or a nation. The United States is thought of as an English speaking nation, but the voting public is divided on the issue, with some …show more content…
In order to accurately debate the issue however, it is necessary to discuss the state of affairs that currently exist in this country. Doing so will enable an individual to analyze each side of the argument and properly put things into perspective.
A 1990 census report indicates that 97% of individuals in the United States speak English. Of this population 86% are monolingual and only speak English. (U.S. Census Bureau 1990)
Of all languages spoken in the country Spanish is spoken most frequently, according to the Census …show more content…
(General Social Survey 1994)
Survey participants were also questioned as to their feelings on bilingual education. The question was “How do you feel about bilingual education? Strongly in favor, somewhat in favor, strongly opposed, somewhat oppose” Of those who answered the question 40% somewhat favored bilingual education, 27% strongly favored it, 17% somewhat opposed, 15% were strongly opposed. (General Social Survey 1994)
Another question was posed on how non-English speaking students should be taught, the question posed “There are several ideas about how to teach children who do not speak English when they enter public schools, which statement best describes how you feel?” 48% believe that students should have the option to be taught in their native language, 36% believe all classes should be taught in English, and 16% felt that students should be taught in their native language through high school. (General Social Survey