The Relationship Between Language and Power - Essay Example

 The Relationship Between Language and Power SHOULD ENGLISH BE LAW? 1. In the recent past, English learning has turned political as there are different parties in governance of USA advocating for or against making English official language and not allow teaching other languages in schools besides English. It turns out that in early 1980s’ and 1990s’ many states voted for English becoming official language and therefore no teaching other languages including the African American English which according to experts was not bad. The other reason was as a result of fear that if other languages were taught like Hispanic, they would threaten political and economic stability of USA like it is a case in many other countries e.g. Pakistan and Eastern Pakistan now Bangladesh which split as a result of language (bangla). 2. He is trying to send a message that in a free country you cannot force people to speak one language. It is impossible to control them. 3. It started when conservatives who were pros and supporting the Official English started differing with Liberals who were cons. True conservatives like Will F. Buckley and George Will lead the conservatives at insisting that English must be made official while Liberals emphasized that it should be voluntary. There are some instances where it was a must for foreign languages to be used and which the government was forced to allow by the circumstances, this included; International relations, protection of rights of the defendants, foreign trade and public relations. 4. The King takes time to explain this because mostly in European countries and most importantly East Europe, there has been a lot of divisions and secessions as a result of languages and nationality e.g. Russians in Estonian making a 3rd of the population and forced to speak Estonian language. 5. Therefore the English only issues arises due to insecurity at that time by the U.S that if they allowed foreigners to freely and officially speak their languages, they would someday bring about conflict e.g. if most of the population turned to Hispanic like it is the case in Texas, then it would become uncontrollable. 6. Beginning neglect was right because for one the English speaking population In USA is between 94% and 97%.Therefore there was no any threat. Also for the young generation that joined the US they would certainly forget their culture and probably language and adopt English. So the foreigners become the losers. IN PLAIN ENGLISH: LET’S MAKE IT OFFICIAL 1. America is seen as a success nation due to its unified language of English. It also simulates other languages comfortably while English remains the common language. It is the world’s first nation with the highest number of languages. The great debate on the raging number of immigrants by the congress cannot yet declare dominance of English as a national asset that should be passed into law. The senate could not still declare English an official language but rather a national language. 2. He declares making English official language unnecessary as the foreigners can only have limited impact on American culture. Furthermore, no foreigners have made request for their official status of their language. So there is nothing to raise alarm about. 3. Monoclonal immigration is when we have masses moving in to a foreign country to a point that they have the capacity to even request for rights and official recognition e.g. French speaking in Quebec. They may affect national unity when they demand that they be recognized and be given rights similar to those of natives. This may destabilize peace and may lead even to violence. 4. His worry is that when Spanish population becomes big enough to demand for their official rights, they may destabilize the unity and introduce their culture. 5. Linguistic unity is important in this case as USA has got people from diverse parts of the world, in fact it has the largest number of foreigners from all over the world. Therefore having one unifying language, would ensure proper flow of governance, peace and unity while no foreigner demands for special rights. 6. Making English a National language according to him is where everybody in USA entering USA should be in a position to communicate effective in English, this is for cohesion purposes. In the case of making it Official language, it is where for any official transaction the communication should only be done in English for everyone to understand. Why and When We Speak Spanish in Public 1. The way she explains about not adopting English is very clear. It shows that they do not want to lose touch of their root and culture. It is healthy since even generations to come will never forget their origin even if they speak English and they cannot avoid it. If I stood next to them as and they were speaking Spanish, I would not feel offended since USA is a free land and no restrictions to communicate in any language publicly. It would be finding only if I was with them. 2. The government doesn’t register English as official language since no single group has put across official demand for their registration and it is quite obvious that majority of population in America speaks English. 3. No English is not there to gauge American patriotism. There is nothing even to think about when it comes to that. Being in a free country means practicing freedom, therefore speaking in vernacular is as good as speaking in English. 4. She would stop speaking in Spanish if in presence or company of English speaking people or colleagues. This is a sign of respect and civilization. I would behave the same way. It is offending to speak a language someone in your company doesn’t understand. One cannot not understand whether he or she is being discussed or some secrets are being kept away. Writing Suggestions: Debating the Issue 1. The government has kept it hands of the issue of officiating English as American official language for a longtime. The government feels that foreigners coming to America understand that English is the common language being spoken by the majority and forms the biggest percentage. There are also no foreigners from any specific country making official demands to make their language official or national. It further knows that for the young generation coming to America, they will with time forget their culture and language and adopted the English language and culture. The government on the other hand allows people to freely communicate their language even in the public. In my opinion I feel that there should be no public outcry over making English official language as most of the places you go people speak in English and they form the larger community. Also the government has not authorized use of any other language besides English as of today. 2. Using unified language is crucial as everyone regardless or ethnicity or minority group fits well in the society. Language i.e. English in USA maintains culture and ethnic unity as everyone is free to communicate in his/her own language and no restrictions in practicing his culture. However encouraging everyone to communicate in English brings more unity amongst the communities living in America. Non natives may not standard American English since some do not want to completely lose their culture while others feel they are not there to stay forever, therefore no urge to put unnecessary effort. One needs to own the language to succeed since majority of people living in America communicate in English. 3. They don’t seem to advocate for English only since most of their free time they communicate in their native language as a way of respect and keeping culture. She only speaks English when compelled by the circumstance e.g. while in company of English speaking. English is in her case a formality. 4. English speaking is more of a social issue since it is formally applied to accomplish a given conversation goal. With so many foreigners in US English can only be used to link the global community. In terms of economics, for any transaction to be well conducted amongst those living in or outside America the most ideal language to use is English. Also business communities in all over the world used English as unifying language to undertake any conclusive deal. The speaking of English may turned political to avoid introduction of other languages which in future may lead to aggression and war like it has in the past happened in many other countries especially in Europe. The Relationship Here Between Language And Power is where the Americas would like to manipulate the foreigners by nationalizing or even making English official language to demonstrate their might and control over whoever sets foot in their soil. 5. Thinking of I studying a foreign language would be the most difficult thing. The American culture has influenced people so much that, one would hardly want to even think of studying a foreign language. The number one reason is that most of the things one would like to get from the foreign countries, is most probably available in USA that includes jobs, places to visit for holidays, shopping colleges etc it is on the minds of many that learning foreign languages won’t much. On the other hand other is the mentality that everyone in the world should understand and at least speak in English. If I were to study foreign language, I would practice patience at try to find colleagues speaking that particular language and very willing to be with me so that I can understand fast. This is more particularly in the case where I would be going abroad for a job. In case of a situation where the people I am with are training in English, I would be very glad to support them learn the language fast through constant communication with them and visiting social places frequently to enhance their understanding and communication skills. 7. In my opinion, nature of work dictates whether one must be able to communicate in English or not. A case in point if one works in American airport call centre, this person must be able to fluently communicate in English. In situations like kitchen cook, one must not be fluent since the job is practical. In this cartoon the gentleman must possess English communication skills since it’s an airport. Read More