“The old saw had it that if the use of English were enforced in schools, all boys and girls would soon speak in English, even if at home they speak in Spanish, because the pressure to conform would be irresistible.” -William F. Buckley Jr.
National Review online article
Yep, it sure does work. Look how all of us French/Acadian descendants are unable to speak French.
But I can understand the importance of speaking English in America. There has to be an official language for communication and English is it. It should be the official language in schools for kids to make it in America.
As long they don't make people ashamed of their family's language, it should be fine. People can grow up speaking two languages, be proud of their unique culture, and at the same time be able to speak English in order to do well in America. This makes unity possible. You can be Cajun, Mexican, etc, but able to talk with one another with English. This makes sense to me. Arizona road signs in Spanish is ok because I like to see French signs in Louisiana, but there has to be English in the sign also. Cajun speakers wouldn't be able to read the signs if they're only in French. And the tourists. Don't forget about the tourists.
9/24/2007
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3 comments:
I disagree with this post.
"There has to be an official language for communication and English is it."
The Louisiana (French) Territory took up a large part of America, all the way up to the tip of what is now called Idaho. Under the right circumstances, (i.e. if Napoleon wouldn't have sold Louisiana), French could've been the language of America. Let's not forget that when the Mayflower landed on Plymouth Rock, there were also people from France on that boat. However, history revisionists conveniently leave out this fact.
"Cajun speakers wouldn't be able to read the signs if they're only in French."
This is like saying, "Cajun speakers wouldn't be able to go to school if it was only in English." Sure, at first they wouldn't be able to read the signs, but given time, they'll be able to read signs written completely in French.
---Roy---
"Sure, at first they wouldn't be able to read the signs, but given time, they'll be able to read signs written completely in French."
Ok. You got me on that. But I was joking a bit right there. Well yeah, if French was taught more in school, and used more in public, then kids would learn and adult Cajun speakers would learn to write their language.
My Mom, Dad, etc talk in French with their friends but everything else is in English, because that's all one sees and hears. Business, bills (except Ville Platte medical), TV, newspaper, etc, etc, etc, etc - all in English.
You understand that because you're creating things in French: magazine articles, movie reviews, etc: something in French for people to read.
So more road signs in French. But still include some English in it. Louisiana and Acadiana is not all "French." And you do have to think about people traveling, truck drivers, etc. I think it would be cool to drive in south Louisiana and see road signs in French and English. Then if I drive through Texas or Arizona, I could see Spanish and English.
But one language in America, English, would enable a Spanish speaker or a French speaker or whatever, to communicate with all Americans. Otherwise, the United States would be more like Europe and instead of driving through states, it would be driving through foreign countries.
Ok. America could have gone French. It didn't. It went English.
"Otherwise, the United States would be more like Europe and instead of driving through states, it would be driving through foreign countries."
Yeah, and people would speak 3 or more languages fluently.
---Roy---
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