TED Conversations

Lawren Jones

TEDCRED 10+

This conversation is closed. Start a new conversation
or join one »

Should English be made the official language of the United States

I have no opinion, or any particular understanding, either for or against this subject, and would appreciate hearing a lively debate. Thank you.

+1
Share:

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.

  • thumb

    Debra Smith 200+

    • +2
    Jul 27 2012: Why would we give any nation further tools to club each other with?. Canada is a bilingual nation, 2 of my five are fluent and often work in that other language. I love the diversity. I think it is evident that brains and minds stay limber and alert when they can understand more of humanity. Why would we limit that exercise?
    • thumb

      Robert Winner 50+

      • 0
      Jul 27 2012: The French Canadians do not have bilingual signs or even menus. They are so dedicated to being french that in 2006 the House of Commons of Canada passed a symbolic motion proclaiming Quebecois as a nation within a united Canada.

      The USA is certainly multi lingual as it is a melting pot of nationalities that enter the USA in traditional form and seek citizenship under federal programs. But to offer signs, forms, scheduals, etc ... in all of these languages would not be reasonable.

      Just a question how many languages are you fluent in.

      Bye for now. Bob.
      • thumb

        Debra Smith 200+

        • 0
        Jul 28 2012: While I truly love you both, I also love being Canadian and I come from a French Canadian family on my mother's side. So that is half English Canadian and half French Canadian so perhaps you came to the right girl with your questions.
        We certainly do not have everything figured out, we came within a hairs breadth of splitting up a few years ag. There has been serious controversy but in my position in Canada there are only about 5 of me and one is a French Canadian and two others speak both languages to deal with their areas. I do not need to speak our OTHER official language but I can speak and certainly read but I do not classify myself as fluent although it is a life goal.
        French Canadians are a minority who believe that they are fighting for their identity among all the peoples of North America. The British North America Act accorded recognition of their culture and language and their status was guarenteed to them when they voluntarily joined our nation as one of the original founders in 1867. They enrich us at every turn and we are more and not less with them among us. Across Canada we have French speaking pockets of people who enrich our culture and who deserve essential services in a language that they speak at home. You can do whatever you like but in Canada we love to acknowledge those who made us who we are and we love to say "Bien venue au Canada: with our whole hearts and we accept immigrants from myriad French speaking nations.
        You are multilingual and we accept immigrants from around the world too and are highly, maybe more highly rated by international bodies for healthy longevity and hopefully tolerance. The Ukraianian language was revitalized by Canadian input because we have so many immigrants. They are not considered an official language but a very welcome one among many others. As to being official it is because both French and English were founders. What happened to the French who explored most of your territory - il sont disparaîts, n'est pas
    • thumb

      edward long 100+

      • 0
      Jul 27 2012: If Canada had adopted an official language from the outset would you not have your extensive liguistic experience today? I don't think an official language precludes the learning and use of other languages. Tell me (in English please) how not having an official national language promotes language diversity. Hasta la wedersein- Ed :-D
      • thumb

        Debra Smith 200+

        • 0
        Jul 28 2012: Edward. we are waaaaaaaaaay ahead of that thought as we have TWO official languages.
        • thumb

          edward long 100+

          • 0
          Jul 28 2012: I never thought of that possibility. Isn't that like having two flags, or two national birds? From your argument above I thought you were opposed to official languages because they discourage liguistic diversity. As usual I am confused.
      • thumb

        Debra Smith 200+

        • 0
        Jul 28 2012: No, I do not feel that is confusing for those of us who really wish to understand. We have only had our own flag in my lifetime. As a child I literally sang "God save our gracious queen" even though most of us have never seen a real monarch and most of us feel that democratic principles make sense and that heriditary ideas are mostly bogus.
        My opinion is (in case,as is quite possible even likely since these damned clots - I was not comprehesible) that Canada is enriched and edified by having the ability to speak two official languages. We can speak with more of humanity and understand more diverse ways of thinking. In fact, I sometimes try to understand "teaparty" which is the wonkiest language I ever heard except maybe ranting Republican!!!!!!! Love ya!

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.