I feel like this is an issue facts could sway me on.
English or English/Spanish would no doubt be cheaper for the government but not sure how burdensome it would be to those not fluent.
I would need information. I have no strong feelings.
From a selfish perspective, I am only comfortable speaking English, so I don't want something else to be the lone official language, but that obviously seems unlikely.
Seriously. Why do people forget how this country started? Everyone was a fucking immigrant. Well, not EVERYONE, but those savages were taken care of post haste.
ETA: And I want the "English only" people to show their face and explain themselves.
"Not gonna lie; I kind of keep expecting you to post one day that you threw down on someone who clearly had no idea that today was NOT THEIR DAY." ~dontcallmeshirley
Post by orriskitten on Sept 6, 2015 15:05:58 GMT -5
No. I see no reason why it would be needed. What would change if English were declared? Maybe I'm missing a point to it, but I was proud when I lived in the states of the diversity around me. To say "nope, all you other languages are not OFFICIAL" seems petty.
In Canada we have 2 official languages. English and French. I think for us it means government agencies and literature has to be available in both languages. Our prime minister must speak both languages (I don't think that's required but makes sense) Court is available in both languages. School has to be available on English or French.
So although the US doesn't declare an official language I think it is English.
For the record, you are offered a translator where required. (In court, hospitals, etc)
In Canada we have 2 official languages. English and French. I think for us it means government agencies and literature has to be available in both languages. Our prime minister must speak both languages (I don't think that's required but makes sense) Court is available in both languages. School has to be available on English or French.
So although the US doesn't declare an official language I think it is English.
For the record, you are offered a translator where required. (In court, hospitals, etc)
I think our two official languages policy is very entrenched in our history, it was really just about appeasing the French. It's the same thing with the Catholic school stuff, which I wish we would do away with. I think if it were being debated today it might be a more challenging issue. I figure if the U.S. has gone this long without taking a stance? Meh, let's be honest, just like you said, it's English.
My less serious answer is yes and it should be English. To stay here, at the age of 18 you have to be reading at least at a 3rd grade level and be able to pass a 2nd grade written exam. We could likely clear out over half of the people who are all, "but why I press 1? Dis 'Murica!"
I have an anecdote too. One time we were at a Mexican restaurant and the guy at the table next to us ordered a shrimp quesadilla but wanted chicken instead. We were seated on top of each other so when it came out and had shrimp and chicken on it we heard him send it back. Then we heard him say (loudly) to his wife, "Maybe that wouldn't happen if he spoke English."
And I leaned over and said, "You could also learn to order in Spanish. He's doing better than either of us would." Dude had no come back. His wife shamed him too.
And that's the story of how I got a free margarita from the wait staff.
In Canada we have 2 official languages. English and French. I think for us it means government agencies and literature has to be available in both languages. Our prime minister must speak both languages (I don't think that's required but makes sense) Court is available in both languages. School has to be available on English or French.
So although the US doesn't declare an official language I think it is English.
For the record, you are offered a translator where required. (In court, hospitals, etc)
In criminal court, if you do not speak English a translator will be provided. At least that has been my experience. The court needs to know in advance so as to have the necessary translator necessary.
ETA: Sorry. I am tired and reading too fast. I thought your last sentence was a question not a declaration. My bad.
"Not gonna lie; I kind of keep expecting you to post one day that you threw down on someone who clearly had no idea that today was NOT THEIR DAY." ~dontcallmeshirley
In Canada we have 2 official languages. English and French. I think for us it means government agencies and literature has to be available in both languages. Our prime minister must speak both languages (I don't think that's required but makes sense) Court is available in both languages. School has to be available on English or French.
So although the US doesn't declare an official language I think it is English.
For the record, you are offered a translator where required. (In court, hospitals, etc)
But there's a fair amount of this going on here.
All the docs from my kid's school came w English on one side, Spanish on the other. And I live in a moderately diverse area at best. There was also in several languages listed on the registration docs writing out "if you need a translator, contact X"
Target has Spamish/English aisle names. Important gov docs are translated into a bunch of languages.
In Canada we have 2 official languages. English and French. I think for us it means government agencies and literature has to be available in both languages. Our prime minister must speak both languages (I don't think that's required but makes sense) Court is available in both languages. School has to be available on English or French.
So although the US doesn't declare an official language I think it is English.
For the record, you are offered a translator where required. (In court, hospitals, etc)
But there's a fair amount of this going on here.
All the docs from my kid's school came w English on one side, Spanish on the other. And I live in a moderately diverse area at best. There was also in several languages listed on the registration docs writing out "if you need a translator, contact X"
Target has Spamish/English aisle names. Important gov docs are translated into a bunch of languages.
Definitely this is often done here depending on the neighbourhood. Having an official language means it has to be done or offered. I guess. But basically it doesn't matter does it? The country seems to be doing okay
"Not gonna lie; I kind of keep expecting you to post one day that you threw down on someone who clearly had no idea that today was NOT THEIR DAY." ~dontcallmeshirley