Posted on Nov 1, 2014
Should the United States designate English as the official language and make it a requirement for citizenship?
19.6K
415
178
15
15
0
Currently the United States does not have an official language. Individual states have official languages, but there is not one for the nation.
Many countries require not only that you know the history of the nation, the government of the nation, and how the system of laws works, but also that you can read/write/speak in order to function in day to day life.
Please select a response and leave a comment supporting your stance.
Many countries require not only that you know the history of the nation, the government of the nation, and how the system of laws works, but also that you can read/write/speak in order to function in day to day life.
Please select a response and leave a comment supporting your stance.
Immigration
Foreign Language
Citizenship
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 57
4
4
0
Great question, SSG Jason Cherry! My answer is yes ... YES! We used to be known as the great melting pot of the world, and the English language was part of what made that work, what made people proud to be Americans. My grandfather came here from Poland, and while he continued to speak Polish, he did his best to learn English and CERTAINLY did NOT ask that the government print forms, election ballots, etc., in Polish because it was his first language. He struggled with it because he didn't have much education, but he spoke English.
And now we're pressing "1" for English, which is just plain sad - both for our country and for the immigrants who won't put in the effort to learn our language.
And now we're pressing "1" for English, which is just plain sad - both for our country and for the immigrants who won't put in the effort to learn our language.
(4)
(0)
CW5 (Join to see)
SFC W Michael, sorry to hear about your wife's experiences. That has not been my experience, but I'm one guy. And I'm on the other side of the table on this issue - as a native English speaker trying to understand non-native speakers, I go out of my way to try to understand people who struggle with English. And most of my friends do the same. I'm not doubting your wife's struggles. Maybe it's that I've been in other countries where I struggled to be understood, so I'm particularly sensitive to those who struggle with English.
The most important part is that they try. And, back to the "press '1' for English, '2' for Spanish" issue ... that would not be explained by what you describe. At least I don't think it would be.
The most important part is that they try. And, back to the "press '1' for English, '2' for Spanish" issue ... that would not be explained by what you describe. At least I don't think it would be.
(0)
(0)
SSG Jason Cherry
SFC Michael, I am very glad to hear your wife has put in the time and effort to become a citizen of the US. I am also very sad to hear of the ignorance and arrogance she has had to endure. While I do not agree with the thought and actions of people that spread ignorance and treat people poorly as such, it does highlight the problem of illegals in the US. I wish that hard working persons such as your wife did not have to endure such trials and tribulations. It also brings up another point for the education system, and for tolerance, in America.
Thank you for your post, and for yours as well CW5 Montgomery.
Thank you for your post, and for yours as well CW5 Montgomery.
(0)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
Maybe one question to ask in main street America would be, "what language beside English do you speak/understand?". I am "Cajun" American and until my generation our households spoke English as a second language. My parents and grandparents were actually spanked at school when they spoke English there. My dads father was taken out of school after the second grade because of this. The eleven years I was blessed to spend time around him I rarely heard a word of English come out of his mouth. That same Grandfather (grand-père) was very successful and productive member of his community. So, even though I think English should be designated as the tongue for the USA I do not believe we should judge people who are here and are productive by the language they speak.
Oh, and my wife of 20 years is German and speaks better English than I do. les le bon temps rouler!!
Oh, and my wife of 20 years is German and speaks better English than I do. les le bon temps rouler!!
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
Yes, English should be our official language.
Also, U.S. / American History needs to continue to be taught in our schools in every grade until you graduate high school.
Also, U.S. / American History needs to continue to be taught in our schools in every grade until you graduate high school.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
I vote yes and this is with having a wife who is a LEGAL immigrant (Korean). We need one prominent language and English has been it since the Declaration of Independence was written!
My wife has to this day still stumble with the language issues and that is mainly her fault, for not taking more time to learn it! But I don't believe in bending the rules to due to her laziness!
We are a melting pot of every language dialects in the world! We need one standard language to function properly as a nation!
My great-grandparents from both sides migrated to the is country at the end of the 19 century and all took the time and effort to learn English then. Why should it be different now???
End of Statement!!!!!!!
My wife has to this day still stumble with the language issues and that is mainly her fault, for not taking more time to learn it! But I don't believe in bending the rules to due to her laziness!
We are a melting pot of every language dialects in the world! We need one standard language to function properly as a nation!
My great-grandparents from both sides migrated to the is country at the end of the 19 century and all took the time and effort to learn English then. Why should it be different now???
End of Statement!!!!!!!
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
If anything, such a thing should be implemented for the mere purpose of functionality.
You mentioned the importance of reading, writing and speaking in day to day life and I agree. If English was made the official language of the United States, I believe that more measures would be taken to improve the availability of learning resources to accommodate our extremely diverse population. That in turn gives them more opportunities professionally in the US and even world wide as MSG Stankovich mentioned that it is the official language of NATO.
You mentioned the importance of reading, writing and speaking in day to day life and I agree. If English was made the official language of the United States, I believe that more measures would be taken to improve the availability of learning resources to accommodate our extremely diverse population. That in turn gives them more opportunities professionally in the US and even world wide as MSG Stankovich mentioned that it is the official language of NATO.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
Sure, as Americans it would be easy for us to say yes, English should be the official language of the country, but there are two reasons that I say no. 1) America is now and has always been a melting pot. It is a place where any culture can come to to escape persecution, find freedom and attempt to make a better life for themselves. That being said, when you are coming from all over the world, you bring your language and culture with you. It does help to learn English, simply because it is probably the most universal language there is, but it should not be an official language. I don't think we need one. 2) I've traveled to several countries around the world and one thing that has always impressed me is how many places I've gone to in which I could get around because so many of the people in that country spoke English. Yet, when foreigners come to America, we expect them to speak English. Isn't this a little hypocritical? Maybe before we make English an official language of America, we should start making an effort to accommodate foreigners who visit our country and learn their languages.
(3)
(0)
LTC Hillary Luton
MSG John Wirts I don't think I can agree with you 100% here. I don't believe language alone will decide the outcome of a country. There are much bigger problems at play in this country that are causing collapse than merely a difference in languages. Besides, in most cases, when an immigrant moves to America, only the first generation has problems with the language. The 2nd generation is often bi-lingual and the third generation may only know English.
There is nothing wrong with having some loyalty to one's roots, as long as they understand they are now Americans. Its important to remember where we come from, just like its important to remember history lest we repeat it.
What will and is destroying this country are individuals who are power hungry and have slowly chipped away at our freedoms, one by one, for the last 80+ years and especially over the last 40+ years. As long as we have people in the world that think the average human being is too stupid to control their own lives, as long as we have people in the world who are lazy and think its great to get handouts from the government and as long as we have people in the world who think they deserve to be on top, we will head down the road towards socialism and eventually communism. It has happened time and again throughout history, and it is happening right now in our own country.
Making everyone speak the same language? No, I don't believe that is the foundation of the problem. In fact, if you're not giving people a choice to want to be American and speak English, then how is that any different from being communist?
There is nothing wrong with having some loyalty to one's roots, as long as they understand they are now Americans. Its important to remember where we come from, just like its important to remember history lest we repeat it.
What will and is destroying this country are individuals who are power hungry and have slowly chipped away at our freedoms, one by one, for the last 80+ years and especially over the last 40+ years. As long as we have people in the world that think the average human being is too stupid to control their own lives, as long as we have people in the world who are lazy and think its great to get handouts from the government and as long as we have people in the world who think they deserve to be on top, we will head down the road towards socialism and eventually communism. It has happened time and again throughout history, and it is happening right now in our own country.
Making everyone speak the same language? No, I don't believe that is the foundation of the problem. In fact, if you're not giving people a choice to want to be American and speak English, then how is that any different from being communist?
(0)
(0)
MSG John Wirts
Yes I agree, BUT empowering ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS is not building up our country! Enabling "minorities" is not strengthening our country! By the By in California Caucasians are now a "MINORITY" will we now qualify for AFFIRMATIVE ACTION? I sure hope not that would destroy the Caucasians as surely as it is destroying others!
(0)
(0)
LTC Hillary Luton
OK, now we are going down a different road. Requiring or not requiring a national language for citizenship is a little different than empowering illegal aliens.
(0)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
That's funny because on many of my applications under race it states that I am a Caucasian. Caucasians are not the minority and even if they were, so what? No, MSG, I think that you are worried about something else altogether. It is funny to note that as a Caucasian who states English should be the one and only language lives in a state named California. A state where most cities and towns are Spanish. You want to change the names of those places too? Or is it that since it's not English, it's not part of American history? Do you really think that Caucasians are the only ones who contributed to America? Hell, even the name America isn't English.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
From USCIS:
The Naturalization Test
To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must pass the naturalization test. At your naturalization interview, you will be required to answer questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver.English Language
Exemptions
You Are Exempt From The English Language Requirement, But Are Still Required To Take The Civics Test If You Are:
Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).
OR
Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).
Note:
Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
You may be permitted to take the civics test in your native language, but only if your understanding of spoken English is insufficient to conduct a valid examination in English.
If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.
The Naturalization Test
To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must pass the naturalization test. At your naturalization interview, you will be required to answer questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver.English Language
Exemptions
You Are Exempt From The English Language Requirement, But Are Still Required To Take The Civics Test If You Are:
Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).
OR
Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).
Note:
Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
You may be permitted to take the civics test in your native language, but only if your understanding of spoken English is insufficient to conduct a valid examination in English.
If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
PV2 (Join to see)
Ich spreche Deutsch, aber ich bin ein Amerikanerin zuerst. I speak German but I'm an American first.
(1)
(0)
MSG John Wirts
Ich sprechen ein kleina Deutch, Ich verstehenein bissle mehr bis Ich sprechen. I speak a little German, I understand a bit more then I speak.
(0)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
Nah brothers, you need to learn Spanish. More jobs if you are bilingual in Spanish. Of course English first, but that goes without saying. Japanese was the wave of the 80's. I remember because I took it as part of my business degree.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
How many people born and raised in the United States actually know the "history of the nation, the government of the nation, and how the system of laws works, but also that you can read/write/speak in order to function in day to day life."
(3)
(0)
SSG Jason Cherry
I agree SGM, on your second sentence.
To address the first;
It is a burden on our infrastructure to hire government employees, publish documents, create multilingual help systems, in order to cater to a dozen languages. It is probably more of a drain to cater to all the different languages, than those demographics are contributing to the nation as a whole, in relation to an equitable size literate English speaking demographic.
I don't want to come off as a xenophobe. I love all the nationalities and ethnic backgrounds and the things their culture and history have to offer to our nation. I just would like to see a primary/secondary language established and some standards put across so we can stop frivolous spending in our attempts as a nation to cater to different language groups.
To address the first;
It is a burden on our infrastructure to hire government employees, publish documents, create multilingual help systems, in order to cater to a dozen languages. It is probably more of a drain to cater to all the different languages, than those demographics are contributing to the nation as a whole, in relation to an equitable size literate English speaking demographic.
I don't want to come off as a xenophobe. I love all the nationalities and ethnic backgrounds and the things their culture and history have to offer to our nation. I just would like to see a primary/secondary language established and some standards put across so we can stop frivolous spending in our attempts as a nation to cater to different language groups.
(1)
(0)
MSgt Kevin Willoughby
How would you propose to choose the secondary language? I would hope you chose English as the primary.
(0)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
SGM when I became a citizen in 1999, I knew more about American history than my American born friends. What a shame.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
Current requirement for US Citizenship by naturalization: The ability to read, write and speak ordinary English unless they are physically unable to do so due to a disability such as being blind or deaf, or suffer from a developmental disability or mental impairment. Those over 50 years old on the date of filing who have lived here for a total of at least 20 years after admission as a permanent resident and those who are over 55 and have been legal permanent residents for at least 15 years are also exempt from this requirement.
So, that's already done. The designation as an official language really amounts to little more than wallpaper.
So, that's already done. The designation as an official language really amounts to little more than wallpaper.
(3)
(0)
SSG Jason Cherry
There is a big problem with people who are not allowed to vote, trying to vote, and others actually voting. Permanent residents are not allowed to vote in national elections, nor are they allowed to vote in state elections that require you to be a citizen. However, all these groups are trying to get their voice out and be heard without wanting to take the effort to become a citizen.
(1)
(0)
CW3 (Join to see)
SFC Kristine Erb I am in total agreement with you, I am a citizen now. I was born and raised in Nigeria but know more about American history and facts than some of my neighbors and friends. The truth is, I have to study for the citizenship test and that was how I learn too much about the United States core history than most average Americans know...
(3)
(0)
MSgt (Join to see)
SFC Kristine Erb Sad but true the lack of knowledge of some of our citizens. Makes you wonder what the heck they are teaching in our schools. I sure as heck don't believe it is American history.
(1)
(0)
MSgt (Join to see)
SFC Kristine Erb My mother is from Germany, is a naturalized citizen and knows more about America then most Americans.
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
No, because I support people's right to choose, including whether they want to learn English or not.
But consider the consequences of not learning English. Is it easy to interview for and get a job? (Perhaps as a janitor or fruit picker.) Will you get a managerial position? (Over janitors and fruit pickers, maybe.) What about your children. Will you be helping them get a good education and good jobs?
As long as people bear the consequences of their choices, I am a firm believer in Freedom.
But consider the consequences of not learning English. Is it easy to interview for and get a job? (Perhaps as a janitor or fruit picker.) Will you get a managerial position? (Over janitors and fruit pickers, maybe.) What about your children. Will you be helping them get a good education and good jobs?
As long as people bear the consequences of their choices, I am a firm believer in Freedom.
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google