Immigrants and the English Language in the United States Persuasive Essay by scribbler

Immigrants and the English Language in the United States
A discussion on the debate surrounding the 'English Only Movement' in the United States.
# 152901 | 852 words | 8 sources | APA | 2013 | US
Published on Apr 30, 2013 in Communication (Language and Speech) , Language (General) , Hot Topics (Immigration)


$19.95 Buy and instantly download this paper now

Description:

The paper relates that for those who emigrate to the United States, language is a key issue within the school system, in dealing with government bureaucracy and social services, and finding gainful employment. The paper looks at the 'English Only Movement', a socio-political movement that believes only the English language should be used in governmental operations and schools, on the basis of both efficiency and acculturation, and also looks at those who argue this movement is based on misconceptions about the role of a common language within a political system, and that these views are inconsistent with basic American traditions of fairness and tolerance. The paper then discusses how to many people, the debate does not need to be so polarized, or interpreted so strongly; having a standard language that everyone learns, and yet continuing to enjoy a bi or tri-lingual life is not incompatible, and neither is offering assistance to those new arrivals who need services but do not yet have English skills.

Outline:
Abstract
The Debate
English Only
The Counter Argument
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"It is a fact that America's educational system is becoming more diverse, as is the idea of a global society - both in structure and application. Globalization has had a remarkable effect on both the technological developments and the cultural attributes of a number of companies. Instant global communication is now possible, and individuals know they can instantly communicate with almost anywhere in the world - and at an affordable cost. The more technology improves, the more this global economy, culture, and society develops. Of course, globalization continues to break down societal barriers, and one of the key elements to this is communication. This ability to communicate effectively, for better or worse, often revolves around the ability for students of many countries to find a common language. Again, for better or worse, and certainly based on historical colonization and imperialism, English is that language (Crochuer, 2004; Bhagwati, 2004).
"One of the key distinctions within the educational system, though, is the ability to prepare students for life beyond school. This encompasses many things, not just linguistic competency. If we think about the paradigm of learning there are many new and foreign things a student must learn prior to graduating from Secondary School: Math/Science - often a language unto itself, certain a new way of looking at the world; Social Studies - new terminologies and ways of approaching research, writing, and culture; Reading and Literature - an exploration into not only other times, but other cultures as well."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • ACLU. (2000). "The Rights of Immigrants - ACLU Position Paper." Cited in:http://www.aclu.org/immigrants-rights/rights-immigrants-aclu-position-paper
  • Bhagwati, J. (2004), In Defense of Globalization, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Clinton, W.J. (2000). "Executive Order 13166 - Improving Access to Services ForPersons With Limited English Proficiency." Federal Compliance andCoordination Section. Cited in:http://www.justice.gov/crt/cor/Pubs/eolep.php
  • Crawford, J. (2009). "Anatomy of the English-Only Movment." Language PolicyWeb Site and Emporium. Cited in:http://www.languagepolicy.net/excerpts/anatomy.html
  • Crochuer, S. L. (2004), Globalization and Belonging: The Politics of Identity in a Changing World. New York: Rowman and Littlefield.

Cite this Persuasive Essay:

APA Format

Immigrants and the English Language in the United States (2013, April 30) Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/persuasive-essay/immigrants-and-the-english-language-in-the-united-states-152901/

MLA Format

"Immigrants and the English Language in the United States" 30 April 2013. Web. 29 March. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/persuasive-essay/immigrants-and-the-english-language-in-the-united-states-152901/>

Comments