Transcript Official English English Plus - Texas A&M University

Official English
English Plus
1981: CA Senator S.I. Hayakawa introduces a
constitutional amendment to make English the
official language of the US;
1983: US English is founded in response to Englishonly efforts;
1987: The English Plus Information Clearing House
(EPIC) if formed to centralize information on
language rights and language policy, respond to
efforts restricting the use of languages other than
English, and promote an alternative to Official
English.
Official English
“In a pluralistic nation such as [the United States]
government should foster the similarities that unite us,
rather than the differences that separate us”
Goals:
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to encourage ratification of a national
amendment making English the official
language of the US;
repeal bilingual voting rights;
reduce funding for bilingual education;
enforce the requirement of English for
naturalization; and
foster opportunities for learning English.
Official English
Bills that support Official English:
• 1995: a bill introducing English as the
official language of the Government of the
United States is presented at the 104th
Congress;
Maintaining a language common prevents linguistic
division;
English has historically been the common language of
the US;
English is the language of opportunities; immigrants will
be empowered by learning English;
Adoption of English as the official language by the
Federal Government will promote efficiency and
fairness to all
Official English
Bills that support Official English:
• 2003: the English Language Unity Act
of 2003 is presented at the 108th
Congress, declaring English as the
official language of the United
States
English Plus
“Why throw away a valuable knowledge?
Why not promote English plus other languages?”
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All US residents should have the opportunity
to become proficient in English PLUS one or
more other languages;
Cultural diversity is a national strength;
Support for bilingual services is an
opportunity to help enhance literacy in
English;
Proficiency in English is necessary and
opportunities for proficiency in English must
be provided to all US residents.
English Plus
Bills that support English-Plus:
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January 2001: a bill introducing the English
Plus Resolution is presented at the 107th
Congress:
English is the language of the United States and all
members recognize the importance of its language;
Many residents of the country speak native languages
other than English;
The country is committed to democratic principles and to
strengthen diversity;
English Plus
Bills that support English-Plus:
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January 2001: a bill introducing the English Plus
Resolution is presented at the 107th Congress:
Multilingualism is a resource to the country’s global
competitiveness, promotes greater understanding,
essential element of national security;
There is no threat to the status of English in the United
States (94% of US residents speak English);
English Plus
Bills that support English-Plus:
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January 2001: a bill introducing the English
Plus Resolution is presented at the 107th
Congress:
English-only measures, or proposals to designate English
as the official language of the United States, would
violate traditions of cultural pluralism, divide ethnic
communities, jeopardize law regulations and services
to speakers of other languages, and hinder the
development of language skills.
Position with respect to Bilingual
Education
Official English/English Plus
at the State level
(data from James Crawford, 2003)
Official English/English Plus
at the State level
(data from James Crawford, 2003)
Official English/English Plus
at the State level
(data from James Crawford, 2003)