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Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology *
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INS2105
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Linguistics
Date
Nov 24, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by LayneFelix7
Running head: ADOPTION OF OFFICIAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE
1
Adoption of Official English Language
Name
Institutional Affiliation
ADOPTION OF OFFICIAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE
2
Adoption of Official English Language
Language is fundamental in all societies as it enables people to convey thoughts and ideas
among themselves for a successful interaction process. Language is closely interconnected with
culture as it contains essential elements of the users. The development of modern boundaries,
exploration, and settlement has resulted in nations with different languages and cultures. The
United States is the most linguistically diverse country globally, with over 350 languages. Each
community values their language as an integral part of its culture, and pushing them to adopt a
new language is akin to encroaching on its culture. Speaking in one language, however, eases
communication and enables more significant economic growth due to collaboration, promotes
globalization, and fosters a sense of national identity.
Debates in Congress sharply divide the nation into groups that support using English as a
national language and recognizing other languages in social, political, and economic spheres.
Those against English maintain that it is unfair treatment to label a culturally diverse nation as
English-speaking. Democracy upholds the values of inclusivity and diversity, and recognizing all
languages promotes democracy. Additionally, American cities have the status of international
cities and should not adopt a single official language when they host varied cultures and
languages. Supporters of the English language turn to globalization and the economic benefits of
adopting English. They maintain that English is the most spoken language internationally and is
vital for collaboration in the international community (Obrero, Villena, Moreno, & Kristian,
2022, p. 8). The high cost of multilingual services can be eliminated by adopting the most widely
spoken language (Tdubois1, 2021a). The arguments elicited my support for adopting the English
language as it eliminates the language barrier, a significant challenge to development.
ADOPTION OF OFFICIAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE
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The whooping support that the adoption of the English language receives is warranted to
help maintain a national identity. People in diverse cultures can overcome language barriers
without compromising their cultural beliefs. Communities can still interact among themselves in
their native languages but switch to English when in a culturally diverse environment. Adopting
English is beneficial for business transactions globally as it is the most spoken language.
Adopting a similar language will eliminate the costs attached to multilingual systems and will
thus ensure smooth operations. Adopting the English language should be a unifying factor, not an
indicator of racial segregation.
Conclusion
Adopting English in the US promotes national identity, globalization, and economic
interaction. Among the numerous languages in the US, English has the most outstanding support
from the citizens and Congress, and its adoption does not necessarily mean discrimination
against other cultures. Diverse communities should be allowed to use their native languages
when interacting with each other but switch to the English language when interacting in
multilingual environments.
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ADOPTION OF OFFICIAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE
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References
Obrero, B., Villena, D., Moreno, F. N., & Kristian. (2022).
OFFICIAL AND NATIONAL
LANGUAGES IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
. University of Southeastern
Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francis-Nathanael-De-
Villena/publication/362061128_Official_and_National_Languages_in_the_Contemporary
_World/links/62d4288ed351bd24f51f8095/Official-and-National-Languages-in-the-
Contemporary-World.pdf
Tdubois1. (2021, March 17). English Language Unity Act Reintroduced in the 117th Congress |
U.S. English. Retrieved from https://www.usenglish.org/english-language-unity-act-
reintroduced-in-the-117th-congress/