My research paper is about whether or not to make English the official language of the United States. The reason I picked this particular topic is because I thought it would be interesting to reveal how I, and many others, feel about this subject and get a general idea of what peoples' opinions across the nation and in the government are. Many times I have heard people complaining about hearing strangers speaking in a foreign tongue, and most of the time, the response to this complaint is that "there is no official language in the united states". This is technically true, although several states have made it their official language already. But one cannot deny that English is the language spoken the most throughout the US and it is the language that most schools throughout the country use, as well as most television programs, office buildings, etc. However, our country is a nation of immigrants. It is a melting pot of all different languages and cultures. Consequently, one would think that it is only fair not to have an "official" language.
The controversy presented within the topic is just what was previously explained and that the government cannot ultimately decide whether or not to make it the country's official language. There are many citizens, roughly 86%, who are in favor of making it official. The reason to this decision is that it is requisite for all citizens to speak and understand english to live successfully in this country and to the fullest extent. Another reason for this is because of conflicts within the government having to, for example, print bills in several different languages because there is a large percentage of citizens who do not speak, understand, or even read in English. Having to do this is conflicting, so the government wants to provide programs and encourage the learning of English to all citizens, especially those who do not speak the language.
The main question I am presenting in my research paper is "Should English be the official language of the US?" Many different people have different opinions. Personally, I don't think it should be, because of the fact that our country is made up of immigrants and they bring with them unique cultures and traditions that I think are vital in our country. Having an official language is unjust and conflicts with the first Amendment, because everyone residing in the US has the right to speak in whatever language that they desire.
The controversy presented within the topic is just what was previously explained and that the government cannot ultimately decide whether or not to make it the country's official language. There are many citizens, roughly 86%, who are in favor of making it official. The reason to this decision is that it is requisite for all citizens to speak and understand english to live successfully in this country and to the fullest extent. Another reason for this is because of conflicts within the government having to, for example, print bills in several different languages because there is a large percentage of citizens who do not speak, understand, or even read in English. Having to do this is conflicting, so the government wants to provide programs and encourage the learning of English to all citizens, especially those who do not speak the language.
The main question I am presenting in my research paper is "Should English be the official language of the US?" Many different people have different opinions. Personally, I don't think it should be, because of the fact that our country is made up of immigrants and they bring with them unique cultures and traditions that I think are vital in our country. Having an official language is unjust and conflicts with the first Amendment, because everyone residing in the US has the right to speak in whatever language that they desire.
2 comments:
Hey Alex,
I really like your topic. I think it is really interesting and it is an ungoing phenomenon. Also, this topic is really important to the United States. I agree with you. I don't believe that the United States should make English its official language based on the reason that we are not all native Americans. We all have different heritages and we should be accepting of different people's cultures.
I'm sure that there is tons of information about this topic and you should be able to write an excellent research paper.
Jen B.
A good and thorough overview. When you write your overview for your paper, be careful not to let your opinion bias your summary. The idea is to first lay out the issue and then state your views. I don't see making English the official language as being a first-amendment violation. There would not be anything in such a law compelling people to communicate exclusively in English, it only affects governmental issuances.
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