If we were to enforce English as the official language of this country, we would not be only doing a disservice to the immigrants, but to our own residents as well. The concept of America being known as a melting pot has already been touched upon, so I will not reiterate that point. However, we should learn to embrace the other cultures. CPT's post about the Puerto Rican natives catering to the English-speakers is the epitome of globalization. While I'm not in the position to be determining how other countries should handle foreigners, I applaud Puerto Rico in their efforts to make us feel more comfortable.
If we were to obliterate other languages, then in turn, we would make it more difficult if one of us were to ever go abroad. My brother speaks fluent Spanish, and is certified bilingual. He in turn, is teaching my niece and nephew Spanish. Since they live in Ft. Lauderdale, and he gives psychiatric examinations in Spanish, this is an incredilby useful skill.
How did he learn Spanish so proficiently? He attended Yeshiva University in Washington Heights, in Manhattan. Washington Heights is located near Spanish Harlem, for those of you unfamiliar with New York geography. He was easily able to immerse himself in Spanish language and culture, and didn't have to travel to Mexico in order to do so. He was able to read the Hispanic dailies, and converse with the owners of the local bodegas . Of course, when he did travel to Central America, he was able to communicate with very little difficulty.
Making a Constitutional Amendment to enforce English as the primary language would not only make stories like my brother's nonexistent, it would place many limits on others trying to learn foreign languages before they had to travel to those countries. Imagine if you were going to make a journey to China. But, you couldn't learn the language beforehand because you wouldn't be able to visit Chinatown in Philly, San Fran, New York, etc. Well you could, but all the signs would be in English. And the shop owners would be forced to learn English after speaking Chinese for years. Their businesses would suffer, and the results would be detrimental.
That would make it the very antithesis of a diverse country. While I agree that the immigrants would be better served by learning English, a sweeping reform would do more harm than good. And would do damage to businessmen, doctors, and students spending time abroad.
BTW, I'm noticing a pattern with MIB. It seems that he posts highly controversial messages or links, but doesn't follow them up very often. MIB, you appear to be incredibly intelligent, and while I don't agree with your statements, I respect your opinions. In the future, would you support your posts and links? It makes it easier for you to dazzle us with your knowledge, and there was no sarcasm meant in that statement.
That would be much appreciated. Thank you.[ June 06, 2006, 12:49 PM: Message edited by: Falconpride ]
