The English Debate

Renee Witt Mr. Schulze 1

11-08-05 English 1010

Synthesis Essay

This is a synthesis essay on the English only debate. In the debate we have a number of authors who have an opinion if English should be the official language? Here are a couple of opinions shared by Robert D. King , “Should English be the Law?” , S.I. Hayakawa, “Bilingualism in America: English Should be the Official Language”, and Greg Lewis “ An Open Letter to Diversity’s Victims”. All of the gentlemen agree on one thing and that is if immigrants do not learn English, they have put limits on their own life. They are unable to communicate with mainstream America.

Making English the official language in America, and making immigrants learn English as a requirement to become citizens of this country. Some agree with this and some do not, others say this is America and it is founded on diversity and freedom, which includes legal immigrants the freedom to choose weather or not to learn our language, along with many other choices you have as an American citizen. If they choose not to learn English, when most Americans speak English, then they are putting barriers on their lives. King used an example when the Germans first came to America, they did not speak English but the next generation learned the language. It had never been an issue before and it is not an issue now. King quotes a linguist that said “Language is not primarily a means of communication but a means of “communion.”(189) King stated “We are Americans, We are Different.” (189) King argues that as Americans we should have the freedom to choose. English should not be made a law.

In Hayakawa’s article “English Should is the Official Language,”

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He defends the English language and why immigrants should be made to learn English.

Hayakawa claims they will be left out of English mainstream. He believes it is a brand of racism as well, people treat you different if you can not speak English. He said it is not fair to offer a voting ballot in one language but not another. A resolution to that , there should only be on language allowed .Hayakawa believed English is what bonds us togather as Americans, having one common language unites us as a country. Hayakawa stated “we should change our voting ballots to English only to alert new comers of the importance in learning English and provide necessary guidance to legislators to preserve our traditional policy of a common language.” (195) Hayakawa argues that English should be made law dealing with any government issue. He believes there should not be an option not to learn English if you live in America.

In the, “Open Letter to Diversity’s Victims”, by Greg Lewis. Lewis stated that in order to succeed in America, where most Americans speak English, you must learn English. Lewis said instead of trying to offer diversity or multiculturalism to teach minorities to speak Standard English, the main reason being in order to get a good paying career you must be able to present yourself in