President Donald Trump signed an executive order officially designating English as the official language of the United States. Hir order cites the nation’s historical reliance on English as the language of both governance and unity. The order aims to foster cohesion and streamline government operations.
Many Americans may be surprised to learn that it was not already the official language.
Trump’s executive order emphasizes the role of English in the founding of the Republic, noting that the country’s foundational documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, were written in English. It asserts that a shared language is essential for a unified and cohesive society, reinforcing the idea that a common mode of communication strengthens national identity.
“In welcoming new Americans, a policy of encouraging the learning and adoption of our national language will make the United States a shared home and empower new citizens to achieve the American dream,” the order states, as it highlights the economic and social benefits of English proficiency, and asserts that it helps immigrants integrate into their communities, participate in national traditions, and contribute to society.
At the same time, Trump’s directive recognizes the nation’s rich multilingual heritage and praises generations of immigrants who have embraced English while preserving their own native languages. However, it underscores that establishing a single official language will provide clarity in government communication and civic engagement.
The order rescinds President Bill Clinton’s order that required federal agencies to provide assistance for people with limited English proficiency. Agencies may, however, voluntarily provide support.
Alaska has many official languages, including: English, Inupiaq, Siberian Yupik, Central Alaskan Yup’ik, Alutiiq, Unanga/Cx, Dena’ina, Deg Xinag, Holikachuk, Koyukon, Upper Kuskokwim, Gwich’in, Tanana, Upper Tanana, Tanacross, Hän, Ahtna, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, per Alaska statute.
More than 30 other states have laws designating English as their official language. Hawaii has English and Hawaiian as official languages.
Again the question is how is this going to help the average citizen with their day to day costs and challenges? Quit this performative theatre and get something useful done.
C-bass,
The number of articles that you say this exact comment on is actually starting to become remarkable, also it’s very telling all of the ones you don’t. It’s almost like you have spent the last four years expecting nothing from your president, and now that there’s a chief executive you have no idea what to say or do.
It will save a ton of money because the Government will not have to print everything in a dozen different languages. Paper is expensive you know.
I for one would love to see an end to the divisive linguistic idiocy exemplified by “Press one for English, oprima el dos por Espanol”,
Yep. This is America, so we should all be speaking Cherokee, not the language of unwelcome immigrants.
Let us hope that this translates into a serious cost cutting measure.
Nobody else has had the courage to state this obvious fact. Now let the democrats and Lisa Murkowski try to pass a law denying that English is the official language of America.
Life is complicated enough with only one official language. Translating when necessary is a reasonable courtesy but all official communication and procedures should be conducted in one official language.
Needs to be codified into law.
……..Alaska has many official languages……”
Maybe this is why Alaskans don’t seem to understand what law is and they just do whatever they please?
E PLURIBUS UNUM: Out of Many, ONE…language.
Neither of my parents spoke English upon entering public school in the 1930s, yet they were not coddled and hobbled by unnecessary bilingual educational programs and instruction, either.
“Borders, language and culture.” Michael Savage boiled it down to the things required to be a sovreign nation.
Good. Overdue in fact.