Examining Myths about a National Language

Gonzolez, Rosann Duenas, Alice A. Scott, and Victoria F. Vasquez. "The English Language Amendment: Examining Myths." The English Journal (1988): 24-30.

This article provides examples of some of the reasons why people feel English should be the language of the United States.  The article also provides a counter-viewpoint for each of these reasons.

The first reason is that “Linguistic Diversity Inevitably Causes Political Conflict.” One author, Sundberg gives an example of a South Africa, a country whose extreme political conflict was caused by the differences in languages.  Sundberg feels that without the language differences the people would be able to unite and fight for a common goal of the country.  However, the South African’s political conflict was not caused by language barriers but because of the apartheid system.  Also, South Africa does not discriminate against other languages, it has a policy that states that every child should learn and be educated in their own mother tongue. 
For Americans, to exclude people on the basis of religion, race, or language is to engender social and political strife.  In addition, it is against the First Amendment, which guarantees people “the right to speak whatever language they want, or to form private associations to foster various languages and cultures.” (Bikales).  Even if the United States would impose English as the national language, people would still have the constitutional right to speak their own, minority, language. 

The second reason is “An Official Language is the Primary Determinant of National Unity.”  Supporters of this feel the English language is needed to unify the different cultures of our nation.  They feel that the variety of cultures and languages in our country is what will hinder the future growth and unity of our country.  Without it our country would be in social and political turmoil.

However, what these supporters do not realize is that the national language will take away people’s primary language, ethnic identity, and finally their self-esteem.  Also, national unity is not found through one language, it is found through society’s support for America’s common values, like freedom of speech and religion, and also support for American social, political and economic institutions. 

The third reason is “Bilingual Education Decelerates the entrance of Non-English Speakers into the Mainstream.”  Supporters feel that Bilingual education does not help people learn English and eventually switch their primary language to English, but it helps maintain their primary language longer.  Since children get their education in their primary, non-English language, they are never motivated to fully learn English and start using it as their primary language.  They only learn what they need to survive.  They also feel that Bilingual education hinders the learning of English and promotes “linguistic ghettos.” 

However, these supporters do not realize that most Bilingual education programs are transitional—the teaching starts out almost all in their primary language and in about four years, the teaching is done in full English.  This ensures that children have to learn English to succeed in school.  Also, these non-English speakers, both adults and children, know how vital English is to their survival in our country.  They know that if they do not known English well enough then they will not be given as many opportunities as if they knew better English.  They are self-motivated to learn.