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Should English Be The Official Language

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Many people believe that English is the official language of the United States, but in fact; English is the dominant language and the United States does not have an official language. Making English the official language of the United States will save billions of dollars on government translation. In addition, it will help encourage immigrants assimilate to the American culture and learn the new language.
The United States is made up of different ethnic groups, and many immigrants come to America speaking only their native tongue. Concerns about speaking English in America dates back to 1753, Benjamin Franklin voiced his concern about the German immigrants not learning how to speak English. He stated: “Those [Germans] who come hither are generally the most ignorant Stupid Sort of their own Nation…they will soon so out number us, that all the advantages we have will not, in my opinion, be able to preserve our language, and even our government will become precarious.” (King) …show more content…

This was not very popular largely because people at that time spoke many different languages and making English the official one was seen as “undemocratic and a threat to individual liberty”. Moreover, in 1907, president Theodore Roosevelt stated, “We have room for but one language in this country, and that is the English language, for we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, of American nationality, and not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding house.”

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In ““English Only” Laws Divide and Demean” Warren J. Blumenfeld discusses the laws that make the official language in the United States English, only. His purpose is to persuade the reader to sign the petition he created which is directed to the Iowa House of Representatives and more to abolish the “English only”. Although Blumenfeld does an exceptional job appealing to the emotions of his audience by using personal stories, he does a poor job presenting evidence and facts to persuade the reader to agree with him. Blumenfeld may have personal credentials, but he does not have many source credentials, also, he does not provide counter arguments for the arguments that are made against his.

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