In most large countries throughout the world, it is common to find that there is only one official native language throughout that country. However, in the U.S. we do not have an official language; 82% of Americans, however, speak English. There is a large part of the U.S. that does not: 18% to be exact.
Many cities throughout the U.S. offer free English classes to immigrants and foreign occupants in the U.S. who do not speak English. But why do they not take advantage of them?
Logically, by learning English, you are allowing yourself to better communicate with the larger part of the U.S, allowing for a lesser chance of being taken advantage of.
Today, as I was on my lunch-break at work, I saw a news feature about this travel agent who had taken advantage of these poor, innocent immigrants/foreigners. She sold them round trip airline tickets, gave them fake confirmation numbers, and allowed them to use the first leg of the ticket. She then proceeded to cancel the tickets for a full refund, pocket the money, and leave her customers stranded in that foreign country.
A lot of them did not understand English very well, causing them to not understand the misleading information she was giving them, and taking heed of all of the typical warning signs most Americans would realize.
She was caught, but not until after she caused several families headaches, financial strain as well as emotional turmoil.
As an employee in sales, it is frustrating to try and communicate with these people who have no idea what we are saying. In sales, there are procedures we must follow. We must ALWAYS ask for an additional item at the register, whether they found everything alright, if they are a part of our frequent shopper program, as well as give them their total. However, there are those customers who just say “no speak English” and smile. As an employee I must “grin and bear it.” However, it’s wearisome to have to deal with this every third customer. After an eight hour day, you’re angry, frustrated, and ready to snap at anyone who says anything to you.
So why doesn’t the U.S. enforce an official language? Is it because by enacting an official language, the government would be forced to pay for the language lessons?
During this current recession, citizens are feeling the strain of having no money everywhere. It is almost impossible to get a job, even if you have a degree. I have seen COUNTLESS people turn in applications for an $8.00 an hour job, and have a degree in business or accounting or psychology. These poor people do not have jobs, and are scrambling to find any source of income.
By enforcing an official language, tax-paying American citizens would have the burden of paying for the education and essentially the rehabilitation of immigrants and foreigners. This is not another financial burden anyone wants.
So however frustrating it is, American’s must suck it up and deal with it, but maybe those who do not speak English very well should consider taking advantage of the free classes cities offer through their city hall.
Languages are a very complicated variant of education, but it is there, and it is a part of everyday life, no matter who you are, and where you live.
