*Photo By Wake County Public Schools
Let me start by saying that even though I do care about my country and what happens in it, I try to NEVER discuss politics on my blog. It’s just one of those decisions I made when I started blogging that I would not discuss sex, religion or politics. I’m very laid back, drama free, non controversial and I’ve seen the comments on a blog post turn into a nightmare due to a difference in opinions. What we need to understand is that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and we just have to deal! So what if someone doesn’t feel the exact same way you do about a subject matter. We should all just agree to disagree and move forward! We all have choices! If everyone thought the same and felt the same way about everything we’d live in a BORING world! We are all unique for a reason and being opinionated is one of our characteristics that make us who we are. That being said, I’m going to just give you my opinion on House Bill 475 seeking to make English the official language of North Carolina. I honestly think it is stupid unnecessary!
English is already the common language of the people of the United States of America, the last time I checked North Carolina was still apart of the United States!
We are a diverse nation and though English is not the first language of everyone that lives here I believe it remains to be the main language that people speak. Granted we have translators and ESL to help with learning, I do feel strongly that if someone is going to come to the United States of America and apply for citizenship to make a life for themselves they at least learn the language. I try to learn languages when I go on vacation if English isn’t the 1st language, so I’ll be able to communicate while I’m there. I’m not going to assume that I’ll stay in the tourist district where everyone speaks English! Chances are I’m going there because I’m intrigued by the culture and wanted to visit so why not learn the native language! I’d definitely learn another language if I was going to make a life for myself in another country. At least that’s what my common sense is telling me to do!
There are lots of Americans that learn a second or third language in an effort to become proficient in other languages, it looks good on a resume and you may even get a sizable salary for knowing an additional language. There are many high paying positions you can take on when you are proficient in another language. Some jobs require you to be bilingual in order to even be considered for the position. The United States outsources so much work to other countries that English is spoken in many other countries so that we can communicate and conduct business. English is a universal language!
This all being said I still don’t understand why North Carolina needs to try and pass a bill that makes English the official language of the state. I’ve already read some ignorant comments; I won’t waste my keystrokes repeating them!
What is official English?
Declaring English the official language means that official government business at all levels must be conducted solely in English. This includes all public documents, records, legislation and regulations, as well as hearings, official ceremonies and public meetings.
Official English legislation contains common-sense exceptions permitting the use of languages other than English for such things as public health and safety services, judicial proceedings, foreign language instruction and the promotion of tourism. *Definition from U.S. English dot org
What are your thoughts on this? Should every state do this? Wait… Wouldn’t that just be repeating what the Constitution of the United States of America is already trying to do? AND, isn’t that the supreme law of the United States of America anyway. Thoughts…
This is just the tip of the iceberg! I’m sure we can go in many different directions with this conversation. Check and see if your state has enacted U.S. English as the official language.