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Should English Become the
Official Language Of the U. ...
The official language controversy can be noted as far back as the 1700s when Benjamin Franklin expressed his concern that German immigrants were not learning English. “Those [Germans] who come hither are generally the most ignorant stupid sort of their own Nation […] they will so out number us, that all the advantages we have will not, in my opinion, be able to preserve our language and even our government will become precarious” (qtd in King 1997). Language issues really emerged around the time of World War I. ... For a period of time German teaching was banned across the country and new laws forced European immigrants to assimilate to the Anglo language and culture. ... national language appeared to be settled until 1981 when language issues reemerged. ... Hayakawa proposed a constitutional amendment, known as the English Language Amendment, to the U. ... The proposed amendment sought to make English the official language of United States, as well as prohibit state and federal laws and regulations calling for the use of other languages. ... The educational writer James Crawford commented on the English Language Amendment saying “Its thrust was not only for English, but against bilingualism. ... English is to promote English as the official language of the United States. Supporters of official English believe that since it is obvious that English is our common language, passing a law would just affirm the obvious. ...
Opponents of official English believe an official language law would not promote unity but promote a fear of immigrants and their culture. The English Language Amendment puts civil rights, educational opportunities, and free speech at risk. Some think that the official language proposals may even be a disguise for racial and ethnic discrimination. Writer James Crawford explains how probable a hidden motive would be when he states “It is certainly more respectable to discriminate by language than race [….
Approximate Word count = 1572
Approximate Pages = 6.3
(250 words per page double spaced)
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