Analysis Of English As An Official Language

Language has always been deeply surrounded in each person, as language can define where one comes from and his or her culture. It is also an active part of every moment of one’s life since it is how a person expresses oneself through speech. The English language has long been affiliated with the United States of America and its people. Some people are surprised to find out, though, that the United States of America does not have and never has had, an official language. In recent years, many debates began to declare English as an official language of the United States. James Crawford, who is a monolingual speaker, implies that it is not necessary to declare English the official language of America in his essay "Official English Legislation:

James Crawford, who is an American and the president of the Organization, supports bilingual education. He starts the essay with a very effective and valid thesis where he makes points out that English-only policy is ill-advised because it is harmful to individuals, to the nations, and to the goal of language learning (116). I think his thesis is clear, and it shows the reader what he believes and what he truly stands for. He also makes a counter argument by implying that English as an official language is “Unnecessary," “punitive," “pointless," “divisive," and inconsistent with American values and self-defeating. That is why he is opposed to English only policy. In addition, he presents three points, and they are “all Stick and No Carrot," “A message of intolerance” and English plus policy where everyone can learn a different language, and I think it is a great idea for people to learn the different languages. Overall, His points are valid and effective, which is why most states still haven’t declared English as an official

English Inc., claims that making English not an official language would cause a major problem. He makes these arguments using three points, and they are “The Retreat of English," The Costs of Multilingualism, and the Dis-United States. He believes that if we don’t make English as an official language, it would disappear soon and Costs of Multilingualism are very expensive. In addition, in his final points, he makes the point by indicating the reader that if we do not make English as an Official Language, it creates a Disunity among people. Even though his points were evident, the thesis of this essay is not that comprehensible, also, I think his arguments are quite valid, but he needs to realize that immigrants are the ones who are paying their tax money for Multilingualism education. Unlike Crawford’s arguments, his argument is unclear like his thesis. Furthermore, I think he fears that every day less, people speak English, and it is disappearing fast. However, he needs to realize that if the English were to become the United States’ official language, other languages could still be practiced, but the government would simply hold no obligation to provide services in other