Re: Why press 1 for english


"Just Judy" <SpamFreeJudy@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:utjmv35t39qoj89l42931mgloc01fmugif@xxxxxxxxxx
On Mon, 7 Apr 2008 20:19:57 -0700, "Barbara Lake" <bglake@xxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

I would like to see an official language in the U.S.

What would constitute the making of a language "an official
language?"

If you mean printing government documents in English only,
that's one thing. If you mean outlawing the use of another language,
for any reason, that's something else. Furthermore, if you don't
believe translators should be available for court proceedings ... well,
you can understand why I'm confused.

Sooooo, what do you mean? ;)
--
Judy~

Judy,

The U.S. /is/ a predominantly English-speaking country, but there is no
official language. In truth, we speak many languages. Eventually, second
generations of immigrants learn English. Sometimes their mothers and
fathers never do. As long as there is no language barrier to persons coming
into the country, all languages should (and must) be allowed. Otoh, it is
already a requirement that a person applying for citizenship be able to read
and write English ... at least at a rudimentary level. I believe the oath
of allegiance is given in English. But while we are at it, I think it is
deplorable that so many of our citizens can only speak English. In
countries like Switzerland, school children are required to become fluent in
three languages. Why should we be any less adaptable ... or less educated?
We should be able to converse with our nearest neighbors to the south, and
with the French speaking people of Montreal.

Barbara


.

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