Lets go Klingon
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
United States
November 20, 2010 12:39pm CST
In the last few weeks I have read countless statements that we should be English only in the United States. I have heard accusations that if someone is speaking a foreign language around you they must indeed be speaking about you in the negative. I have read stories of people attempting to get innocent people fired from their employment because they were speaking in another language on their official breaks such as lunch breaks or rest breaks (15 minutes). This to me seems very short-sighted, as well as bigoted and prejudice.
According to Dennis O’Neil there are some five to six thousand languages world wide, the number one language spoken being Mandarin. Though English is a distant third it is only world wide because it is spread across evenly where as most of the Mandarin speakers are centralized. The spread of English as a second language is occurring but only 1/3 of the world population pick up English as a second language. The second world language is Hindi, and according to O’Neil if we took all of the Arabic languages spoken and combined them into one language they would come in at number six. Spanish is slowly over taking English and falls number four because the studies show between 322-358 million speakers., and English is showing 341million speakers.
Now that is just “world” languages but the discussions have centered around the United States so let us examine the statistics for a moment. Language scholars believe that there were approximately 300 Native American languages before the expansion of Europeans into North America. In 1998 Kraus reported that in 1964 there were some 361, 978 speakers of an indigenous language, but those numbers are hard to clarify in census information. Today it is believed that there are 154 languages still being spoken by Native Indigenous peoples in the United States.
Considering these facts it seems it would not be in the best interest of the United States to adopt and “English Only” policy. It also seems quite unfair to those around us if we are not accepting and not tolerant of those who may know more than one language.
What happened to days when those who knew more than one language were considered learned peoples? Why do you suppose we do not promote multilingualism now especially given our ever expanding socio-economic social interactions with peoples of different countries and different languages? Just as an example they’ve been saying Japanese is becoming the language of business because they are such a huge player in that field. And yet I often get the feel that we don’t often focus on learning other languages here in the United States.
Namaste-Anora
5 people like this
13 responses
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
21 Nov 10
sorry but I do not agree on the issuer of ourf having English
as a second language because we have to keep going the way we
began as an English speaking country. for your information our
President is considering making two years of other languages' mandatoryu here in the Us. I do agree on some of your points here like the
others do, we really should all know at least on other language." I did not keep up with Spanish or F rench after college. perhaps now is a good time to refresh my memomory on them. not to open a fight that made me ill last night, I again want to say I never at all said I tghought I was being talked about, I knew when they kept saying Sandra and standing there staring at me, and using the mexican term for fat woman, no that is cowardly as they are using their language to make fun of someone, and if you do not think thats wrong, then I pity you. As for getting along with those there I get along just fine, in fact two of them have told me they wished every resident was as polite as I aqm. so I am not the issue. as Pikey said I would have to be really arrogant to imagine they were talking about me. also for your information they are not mistreated by us residents,its the other w2qy around two of them have been told to stop being rude to residents and the other one is on probation.as I tried to explain to you you do not know me and you did not know the background of these people.MMost of us are senior citizens and I do not need you patronizing me by telling me to get palsy with them. I haven been here at Gold crest for two years now so know damned well what is going on here.
3 people like this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
23 Nov 10
Stine-
A lot of high schools do require two years but it's one of the hardest hit departments when budget cuts are on the line. The problem in America is that people get so up and arms over here if you tell them their kid has to do something, especially if it isn't sports related. 
I recall having a parent get up in arms because their child failed a term and had to sit the bench. They couldn't understand why I just didn't "overlook" it because sports was so important.
I personally feel we have our priorities mixed up over here. We simply tell everyone (this is a broad generalization mind you) that "We speak American". Did you know that early on Americans changed their dictionary to reflect their language? It is not the same as the Oxford (English) dictionary? We have done more to butcher the English language that those who are taught formal English generally have a difficult time with the less than formal English spoken and written in the United States.
Namaste-Anora
I recall having a parent get up in arms because their child failed a term and had to sit the bench. They couldn't understand why I just didn't "overlook" it because sports was so important.
I personally feel we have our priorities mixed up over here. We simply tell everyone (this is a broad generalization mind you) that "We speak American". Did you know that early on Americans changed their dictionary to reflect their language? It is not the same as the Oxford (English) dictionary? We have done more to butcher the English language that those who are taught formal English generally have a difficult time with the less than formal English spoken and written in the United States.
Namaste-Anora1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
21 Nov 10
Hi Anora, I think it's good to be able to speak several languages although I only speak one. Here in Canada we have two official languages English and French and you won't get far in federal politics unless you speak both. I didn't have an opportunity to learn a second language in school and little chance after that. I do think though that that children today should learn several languages as they do in some European countries. Blessings.
2 people like this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
21 Nov 10
Pose-
Heh, I didn't realize you were from Canada all these years. My cousin was raised up there and I recall him learning both French and English (I mean, he already knew English when he moved up with this mom but he had French all the way through). I have to say I have absolutely no problem with many official languages, and I would rather have a bi-lingual (or multi-lingual) system than one official language.
Part of the problem here in Minnesota currently where I reside is that because of our huge Hmong and Somalian population the late governor actually proposed an English Only mandate that would get rid of all forms, sighs, etc which had multiple languages on them. The measure thank goodness has not passed, but it's still on the floor. Hopefully our new governor will be more sensible. I am not sure why there is such an upset in the US over the number of people who speak another language and may need assistance. And I keep hearing how "It's too difficult to learn another language" from those who speak English, but not one person has stopped to realize that English is the most difficult language on earth to learn. (That is not my statement but the statement of scholars). They make no allowances. The word is "If they come here to this state they ought to be fluent in English".
A sad story was shared by a classmate two terms ago. His grandfather was Chinese but an American citizen. He fought in WWII and earned honors. However, the racism present then and still present (especially here in my state)gave him nothing but issues. The many knew English better than some who were born speaking English. So, he finally refused to speak English. He said if the country he fought for to protect could not respect him he refused to speak the "accepted" language.
I just really feel strongly about this one Pose. We need to understand where our country came from, who we took it away from, and try to find balance.
Thanks for stopping by I hope your world is glorious today. (We're getting more snow I think by the looks of things today).
Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
23 Nov 10
Linguists and Scholars have stated this over the years. However, English is close some languages in terms of linguistic development but it we look at the development of the English language it started with the combination of at least four major tribes. English later began to combine with some of the language of the Normans and the Saxons. From that point on you have the development into the Queen's English or what we now refer to as Formal English or Proper English. In America the language evolved by taking more words (indigenous, more German, etc) and simply making them "English" and a part of our everyday language. In doing this there is no straightforward rules as you have in most pure languages. Declension and conjugation simply does not work in quite the same straightforward manner. So, most linguists and scholars over the last 100 years have declared that English is one of the most difficult languages for non speakers to learn.
I am not saying that learning a second language is easy. I will say that learning a language is always easier for a child than adult. We know this from studies done in education, and that is why it is always a plus to expose children to other languages.
Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
20 Nov 10
You know, the only place I disagree with you on this is in the case where people feel they are being spoken about by people appearing to share private information in front of them. It would be just as wrong to share information with another in whispers, while looking pointedly at a person, or to write a note. It is just rude to make people feel they are the negative target of discussion. In all other ways, I think I am right on board. I regret the fact that two years of a foreign language is no longer a requirement to enter college. I believe that not knowing other languages deprives us of a great deal of enrichment in our lives. I do believe that English should be our "official" language in the United States, and that new comers need to be encouraged to learn English. They also need opportunities to understand things fully by having interpreters available. I do not think we have ever been English only in the United States and will never be, as we attract people from all over the world. I do believe that if I were to live in a different country, I would at least attempt to learn their language, and I do appreciate others learning English when they come to stay here.
2 people like this
@ElicBxn (64169)
• United States
21 Nov 10
I have a language learning disability. I have tried different languages and have not been able to learn them.
I don't care if a person can speak another language, but if they are in the U.S., then they should be trying to learn English - if I were to move to another country, I would have to learn their language...
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
23 Nov 10
ElicBxn-
This is why I do not want to see a National language imposed or English Only make its narrow minded way into our society. I have taught English and special education for ten years and I can tell you that many of those students who are in ELL/ESL classes have learning disabilities. This is not to say all immigrant children are special education but it is say a great many are and if we adopt a system that does not allow them to learn we are not providing the least restrictive environment, something that is almost the central theme to special education. Some of these children cannot even learn their own language let alone learn English. It is simply unfair to punish them for their learning disorder. Thanks for sharing.
Namaste-Anora
2 people like this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
23 Nov 10
You'd be surprised at the large Latino and Hispanic population in Minnesota, and I did live in Texas for four years.
Namaste-
Anora
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189792)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Nov 10
The US used to and still is a melting pot. I remember learning that in history and discussing it even more in Civics class. I thought one of the base languages used to be French and I recall seeing it as an option in instruction booklet I would get. That and spanish. Now we are getting alot of Asians in the country. Yes, Japanese is becoming the up and coming language.
@celticeagle (189792)
• Boise, Idaho
29 Dec 21
@rebelann ......That is so true. Many of those languages are being lost.
1 person likes this
@srjac0902 (1169)
• Italy
22 Nov 10
Everything depends where we live in. If we live in a location where only one language is a popular language of the majority and it is an official language too, the residents of such a locality find it very difficult when they migrate elsewhere. The residential people when they come from a foreign country, do suffer for they will never be able to be themselves as they feel in their home country. So allowing them at times to express in their own language, but for the unity its ideal to have a common language
2 people like this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
23 Nov 10
Srjac-
Well said my friend. I understand the need for common ground or speaking the most spoken language at work. People should be free to express themselves in their primary language, or even secondary or such when off duty. I agree that sometimes we find unity in our differences. And forming communities doesn't always segregate us but make us stronger.
Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
21 Nov 10
Well since NAtive Americans I hthink of us even that are part NAtive as Indians but we cant say that any ore for India people say they are indians hmmmmmmmmmmm.
we hshould all have to learn NAtive american lungage then sine we were here before the English came.
ya think!
Last year I went to school with my grand daughter to do helping the teacher with the kids other parents were there all talking spanish! I thought it was very rude.
I know some spanish but I never caught one word I knew.
same as with my daughter inlaw I hardly ever hear a word I know either.
And I know those parents couldnt speak English for the teacher had to translate every thing she said to them and then to us.
They teach other laugages in school.
always have.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
21 Nov 10
I know two other languages that I can understand if I hear them, but I do not think that we have to learn a language because the business people do it. What if Communist China becomes the main business country or years ago there was a threat of the Nazis taking over. If Hitler had won, we would all be forced to take German and I am part German.
I agree that learning a new language increasing your culture and of course it helps you converse with friends, acquaintances, and family who speak a different language.
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
20 Nov 10
Thinking that others are talking about you shows an arrogance and self-conceit that probably isn't justified. Most of us just aren't that interesting! LOL. I think that there are two issues here though. a. Should the US adopt the language that is most widely spoken in your country as "official"? and b. What if any recognition should be given to other widely spoken languages? Of course there should be a tolerance and acceptance of the diversity of language but a nation needs something that it can work in both internally and internationally. That essentially boils down to a very small grouping of which English is probably No 1. That does not mean that Spanish, Mandarin are inconsequential but that for convenience sake take second place. The US, like the UK and other English speaking countries has had it easy. The lingua-franca(?) of the World is English for a variety of reasons: wide spread understanding; easy to learn; and historical reasons - the British Empire for example to name just three. That the US fails to recognise language as part of its education system is something that needs to be addressed. The UK might join them in that endeavour. Better than dropping bombs on Arabic speakers!
1 person likes this
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
21 Nov 10
Unless I have business or any other form of relations with the chinese, there isn't much time for me to learn mandarin. Hey! why not study klingon, I've watch the trekkie movie and i saw a few people studying klingon language, i guess it was the height of the TNG series.
. why overwhelmed with the mandarin when star trek language can also be put into application
Nevertheless, English is still the best1 person likes this
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
23 Nov 10
You know, when I was younger I never had the opportunity to become fluent in another language other than English, but I wish that I would have had that opportunity. I don't personally think that just because someone is speaking in a different language in front of you means that they are talking badly about you, however, I do think when you are working and on official duty it is rude to speak another language in front of clients because of the fact that the clients most likely don't understand you.
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
23 Nov 10
Dora-
I would agree with you there. I worked many jobs whilst putting myself through college and I can tell you that when I learned the native tongue of those around me it always put customers/clients at ease. I may not have been fluent but it was enough to put them at ease.
I suppose I learned that from my mother who was fluent in Russian as well as English. She worked a hospital job for years and when she's get in Russian patients she's converse with them in Russian because it made them feel comfortable. Obviously some of us cannot learn multiple languages but knowing just enough is helpful in all jobs.
Namaste-Anora
Namaste-Anora1 person likes this
@saphrina (31551)
• South Africa
21 Nov 10
Hi sweetie.
I find this childish.
You cannot force a language down others throats.
Leave them be.
If they want to speak their own language in lunch break or whatever, so what.
If you don't understand them, learn the freaking language then.
They tend to forget that we teach everyone english, but will they have the guts or the damn brains to at least try and learn another language?
No, probably too high and mighty for that or too stupid.
Rant over.
Thanx for the topic.
TATA.
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
21 Nov 10
Sapherina-
I understand the vent and thanks for sharing. That's my thought, if people are on their own time and not at a job does it matter? I practice my other languages with my husband when we are out and about because 
it helps me learn. Of course, I'm trying to pick up four languages at once. 
Have a wonderful day hun!
Namaste-Anora
it helps me learn. Of course, I'm trying to pick up four languages at once.
Have a wonderful day hun!
Namaste-Anora
Nice day for you.
@hardworkinggurl (37062)
• United States
20 Nov 10
I speak more than English and would never impose my language intentionally to speak about another person, especially in their presence. I do find it quite rude when I am a nail salon whereas all the English speaking employees speak loudly in their language. Then chuckle and look directly at the people.
I have no absolute problem with others speaking their native languages, as I am very fluent and have acquaintances who do not speak the English language. I do however find that if we all live in the US we should at least try and learn the language, as it is so necessary to function in life while living here. I am one who raised both my kids to speak strictly in Spanish while they were little, in fact neither one of my kids learned the English language until they entered their early school years. As I knew they would be able to pick it up instantly while in school. So both my kids are very fluent with reading, writing both the English and Spanish language.
Outside of this I have no other opinions with regards to who and where people speak their native language.
1 person likes this
