There has been some debate regarding the English Language of late.  By definition, the "Official" language of the United States is English. However, what the "National Language"  should be is still in question. Bi-lingual ballots for example would be eliminated IF English is the "National Language"  It is semantics?

Over 100 Million American's can trace their roots to somewhere else.  Dating back to the 1790's  there was the passage of  the Naturalization Act of 1790 Over 200 years later, we live now in a society of political correctness.  We are bound by law not to discriminate against age, race, religion, national origin, familia status, or diabilities.

But are we disabled by language barriers? 

The Hispanic population is the fastest growing segment of Immigrants in the Nation. Some estimated 14 million people are of Hispanic origin.  It is expected to quadruple by the year 2030. How many times have we seen classified ads seeking bi-lingual help?   Remember when night classes In English were available everywhere?

As a Graduate of the United Nations International School, (U.N.I.S.) An experiment in gobal education. We had an amazing linguistics department.  Two languages were required to be learned they were English and French, with a third language option of Chinese, Russian, Latin, German or Spanish. The cultural diversity was amazing.  Interestingly enough, the "Official Language" was English. All students were required to learn it if it was not their "Mother tongue"

If your cultural roots were from abroad, chances are adapting to the American lifestyle meant your Grandparents, or even Great Grandparents learned English once they came to America and adapted. I know mine did, although Grandma always had a strong Italian accent. (She also insisted her children learn and speak English at home) Same for my German friends, Russian friends, Vietnamese friends, Asian friends, and yes, Hispanic friends.  It is part of their charm. Cultural adaptation through emersion.

My Spanglish has a lot to be desired. Our local MLS offers Customer Views in Spanish.  These are very helpful, whenever I find a customer willing to tolerate my intensive desire to try hard to communicate.  I can at least offer to them written descriptions which they are usually pleased to have.  At least it shows I was thoughful enough to make the effort.  I do have a friend in the business who is my unofficial translator.  He is wonderful.     I enjoy the cultural diversity.  I enjoy working with people from all over the globe.  My background is very helpful in that regard.  Ultimately our customers want only one thing.... respect.

Have you ever been told by a customer that they would prefer a Spanish speaking person to help them? Are we making the efforts to learn to communicate with all people?  Should English be required when living and working in the United States?   What say you?