Advantages and Disadvantages to Adopting a Single European Language
Imagine the United States having more than one official language.
Imagine that almost every state spoke a different language. Life in
the United States is not like that. In fact, there are shortages of
Americans who actually want to learn a second language and retain it
for future use. But the notion of a multilingual country is not far
fetched. Europe is composed of over 40 different nations and there
are more than 30 different languages and three alphabets. The
European Union itself has 20 official languages and many more minority
languages. Citizens of the European Union speak English, Spanish,
Danish, German, Greek, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Finnish,
Swedish, Czech, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Maltese,
Polish, Slovak, and Slovene. Language is an important source of
national pride for European citizens. National identity is usually
based on language because this is what makes each individual country
unique. In the United States important sources of pride for Americans
is the American flag or the national anthem. For most citizens of
Europe language plays this role and therefore is very important. In
the United States we can go from state to state and are pretty much
guaranteed that the other people we meet are going to speak English
and the only two problems that we have are the dialect might be
different such as northern vs. southern and that some areas are more
Hispanic and Spanish speaking than others. In the EU, with that many
different languages and many more how do they make it work and what
would be advantages and disadvan...
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parties might also decrease. In my opinion the disadvantages outweigh
the advantages. I believe the people of the EU would certainly not
benefit from adopting one single language and that multilingualism
even with its disadvantages is a great advantage to everyone
involved.
Bibliography
Grin, FranCois, The Economics of Multilingualism – Overview of the
Literature and Analytical Framework; 1997
Grin FranCois, Nation-Building Ethnicity and Language Politics in
Transition Countries; 2004
Grin FranCois, Language Policy Evaluation and Europe : The European
Charter on Regional
or Minority; 2003
http://www.uemilano.it/multilinguismo/multilinguismo_unione_europea_en.htm;
November 06,
2005
http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/policies/lang/languages/index_en.html#,
November 6, 2005
The society will be less divided and will function better under a common language. Although English-only movement has close connections to restrictionist, anti-immigration organizations, which suggests that the English-only movement has a wider, more far-reaching, and more negative agenda than simply advocating an official English language policy, English should be the official language of United States for two main reasons: first, In 1990 US census reported that 97.1 % of the US population speak English; second and most importantly, making English the official language of the United States refers solely to the language of the government, not of the people, private business, classrooms, or more. In addition, declare English the official language of the United States would make easier business and negotiations, more people will be able to participate in democracy system, the population will have a better understanding of laws, and the diversity of languages spoken in the US will not be affect, indeed, it would have an
Cultural identity is very important for every ethnic group as it shapes the culture of that particular faction and therefore, a certain culture cannot realize its own values until it is exposed to another one. II. Nationalism Nationalism revolves around the attitude that people have about their national identity. It is the national days, symbols, music and the anthem, among other values, that bind a nation together. The Hispanics are nationalists who are proud of their traditions and history.
From the time the Pilgrims landed in this great nation at Plymouth Rock, immigrants have been culturally diverse and have spoken many languages. When the Pilgrims arrived in the New World, they did not know how to communicate with the natives. Through intense study the natives learned the Pilgrims’ language. Even with the common language they were still a melting pot of different culture. Some would say that America has gotten over the language/ cultural barriers and now almost everyone speaks the common language of English, but there are still many immigrants who do not know English. Bilingual education is put into public schools for this reason, so that immigrant children can be assimilated to English gradually. The national language should be English instead of the official language because America has prided herself in being very diverse. If we take away the diversity, then we take away the core values that America has always had since her founding.
English as the official language of the United States could benefit the U.S. Government and America as a whole. America has long been a multicultural nation and has been an English-speaking nation since it was founded. The constitutional and federal documents are all in English, which furthers the American people, believing English should be our official language. The majority of states already have English as their official language, for English has always provided much needed cohesion to our diverse citizens since it was founded. Being made of diverse people, and being able to continue to use your own language may seem preferable as we encourage individuality and do not want anyone to disappear into the soup.
Language is part of the few benefits that immigrants bring with their culture. United States benefits from cultures of the many immigrants that migrate to the U.S. the variation of different languages brings great benefit to the U.
Language can bring people together but can also isolate. The United States is known as a melting pot, not only does that refer to culture but also the many different languages. We know of language barriers, but very seldom do we think of the language barriers within our borders. Even with the language barriers it solidifies the need for a national language, the United States of America should allow the freedom to express one’s culture while maintaining English as our national language, therefore offering common ground to its citizens.
Dual language is a form of education in which students are taught to read and write in two languages. The majority of dual language programs in the United States teach in English and Spanish, although there are emerging programs that teach in Mandarin, Japanese and Hindi. The programs start of mostly in kindergarten sand 1st grade and continue throughout primary education, in addition some dual language programs depending on the grade continue through middle and high school. Even Hayward’s own Burbank elementary and Winton middle school are offering dual language programs. Each level of teaching uses a different language ratio in which class is instructed the classes start off with a 90:10 ration and later as years pass the ration becomes a steady 50:50 (Lindholm-Leary, Kathryn J,2001). The goals of dual language immersion programs are to get children to become both bi-literate and bilingual, in other words, they will be able to speak and write fluently in two different languages. Dual language programs are becoming more and more common most of them are in public school but there are some beginning to become present private and charter schools. Dual language education should be introduced in all elementary schools beginning in the Kindergarten to boost achievement for English language learners, benefits it will bring to the community, outstanding brain benefits and lastly cost efficiency in education across the United States.
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
America today is a melting pot of different societies. Everywhere, in every city and in every state, there are Germantowns, and Chinatowns, and Greektowns. America has certainly developed into one big multicultural society. With the many different cultures, come the many different languages as well. When a person imagines the language of the United States, naturally most believe that English is the national language. America, however, does not have an official language. According to the Center of Immigration Studies, more than 300 languages are currently spoken in the United States (U.S. Bureau of the Census). Immigration in the United States is a positive event that cannot be altered no matter what actions are taken against it. Immigration, in fact, has many positive influences upon this great nation. With the positive effects on this country also come the harmful effects. If America wants to continue to live harmoniously with the multitude of different cultures, the first step would be to make English the official language of the United States of America.
English is the only Global Language and other languages cannot compete with it. Thus, many languages will die out. Although associated with this are negative factors, there are positive ones also. The English language is recognised by people all over the world and spoken by many. In a number of countries, it is edified as a second language. By having only one international language with no other languages alive, communication will be more efficacious and free of misunderstandings and mistranslations as everyone will be able to effectively understand each other. Crystal argues, “perhaps a global language will…make all other languages unnecessary. A person needs only one language to talk to someone else” (2003, Pg.15). With the English language becoming increasingly employed by people throughout the world, other languages are being spoken less and will eventually cease to exist as English has dominated the globe on such a prodigious scale that there will be no need for other languages as every one will communicate in English. This is assenting in the sense that if an individual travels to a foreign country, they will be able to communicate with the n...
It is reported that every year, there are hundreds of minority languages have been vanishing. Although governments have pour money in preserving these languages from dying out, some people would argue that it is not a good idea to waste tax revenue in this protection.
Language is a method in which individuals communicate to get their opinion and ideas across to the other party. It varies in its communication methods; it can be verbal and physical i.e. body language. A language is significantly related to the speaker’s language culture and identity, any alteration in language causes an effect on identity. Therefore I believe that language should be standardized under specific rules, regulations that support the language and prevent merging with other languages to avoid cultural assimilation. However, this standardization does not discriminate or disallow any other language to be practiced, by accepting diversity i.e. allowing English to be spoken in a Spanish speaking country, but disallowing Spang-lish. Thus I believe that language blend is unacceptable. Moreover, with rules and regulations speakers should respect their language and avoid its alternation, since it is part of who they are and what makes them special.
The role of language in the creation of a national identity is complex, controversial, but fundamentally powerful. National languages are not simply means of communication; rather they can also act as a symbolic representation of a national identity, providing insight into a nation’s perceived religious, ethnic and historical status. This essay will consider the role language plays in a national identity, questioning the power it holds and the implications it has on the notion of nationalism. Additionally, it will address whether or not the ability to plan language in relation to a national identity is really as powerful as it seems by probing into the process of language planning – what elements are considered, who is responsible for carrying out the process and what effect does it
I truly think that multilingual education will be worthwhile, especially with the critical period to consider, just as mentioned above. People are still able to think if multilingualism fits them while trying multilingual education; yet, once the kids miss the golden period for this, it would be harder to acquire the language fully. Moreover, even though might be some doubts to think about, multilingualism still seems to do more good than harm. There is no persuasive reason to stay monolingual instead of being multilingual, so I’ll suggest that it is time to embrace multilingual
Even though there are advantages as well as disadvantages, the need for international language for communication, politics, economics and security is necessary and English is the best “language candidate” for that function. English is a language spread all over the world and it is used by millions and millions of speakers. According to my opinion, people should use English as a tool to communicate with all cultures but every country must keep their culture and language is a great part of it. In conclusion, language defines identity of a country and everyone should keep their language and explore others.