Yahoo news produced an article regarding Alabama's Tim James, who is running for a government office. In the article, they cite his latest TV ad campaign: "Speak English". According to the Yahoo Article, Tim suggests that this measure will help save money (later going on to mention that tests will be given in English only if he is elected).
"This is Alabama," he says. "We speak English".
Do you?
Or maybe you're from New York City, where this propaganda and message has been boldly and inadvertantly displayed for years. "LEARN ENGLISH" runs rampid on the streets and signs of New York City. However, this addresses a recent debate: Withouth the US having any nationally recognized or elicitly predetermined national language, is it fair to expect that people coming to America should know, learn, or speak English?
I'm not siding here. The point of this is to send the question out to you. What's your argument and why? I have my own points of view, and I can see both sides of the story. But, if this ad or the NYC's stance angers you - why? If you agree - how come or how do you feel about those who oppose? As a language teacher, I promote the use, knowledge, and acquisition of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th languages. However, this does not mean that I am pro or against the reality of the need for a set national / nationally recognized language.
What are your thoughts? Do you "Speak English"?
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