The Role of Language in Cultural Identity

Paper Summary:

The United States is currently going through a period of turmoil regarding whether English should be the only language spoken in the country. The rationale given for insisting that everyone speak English is that 'if people chose to come here, they should learn our language'. This paper examines the effects of this policy on smaller ethnic groups such as the Native American Navajo's who view speaking their native tongue as a kind of spiritual freedom. The paper also looks at the way Yiddish has almost disappeared from the Jewish culture due to this type of integration policy. Other cultures discussed include the Chinese and the Cajuns.

From the Paper:

"One other subculture demonstrates the relationship between culture and language. The Chinese have been coming to the United States since the early 1800's, when they came here to work as agricultural workers or in railway construction. The Chinese come from an ancient and highly accomplished civilization, and their culture contained elements that helped them be successful in their new country. Industry and resourcefulness are highly prized traits in Chinese culture, behavioral traits that tended to aid success in their new land. In addition, they valued the extended family, and so were quick to support and help one another (Author not given). However, the dominant culture inadvertently encouraged the Chinese to maintain their language, and the maintenance of language and requirement that they live together encouraged the maintenance of their culture as well. The motivation for this was racial, but allowed the Chinese-American culture to hold on to cultural traditions and language for several generations while other immigration groups were tending to assimilate."

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