Are we supposed to accommodate all languages?
357105
It was not our choice for them to come here, so why should it be our responsibility to accomodate them because they do not speak english. If you come to the US knowing that English is the primary language you should be prepared to learn it.
1087556
Ok,Ok.! So why not, "If you would like to continue in any language other than English, press"...etc. Then proceed as though silence is consent...to proceed in English.  Aw, Shucks! Those unfortunates who hadn't understood the admonition to "press' would have to find help from someone who understands that to function in the United States of America one needs to know the lingo of the land...as we do when VISITING the land of their language and visiting is what they are doing if they disdain learning at least the basics of our language. Bo-do-dody-o-day!
221341
It's up to the states to decide...opponents like the ACLU debate that making English the offical language would be unconstiutional because it would not enable the Spanish-speaking, German-speaking, and French-speaking immigrants and citizens from a fair and just trial, liberties and such.\n\nGoogle it, but I think because the United States is soo big and diverse, that it wouldn't be fair to the first immigrants of this country.
53933
it depdens in which language you want to know. There are many verbs in one language that won't have translation in another.
805502
Yes there is possibly more English speaking then any other language, yet I doubt it would be spoken all over the world, because nationalities want to keep tradition and want to speak in their own language and not a strange forgien one.
671072
Yes I would say so.  Apart from cultural things that may be tied to a language, each language also has a unique sound or melody which I think affects you in some way just the way that music can. It affects how things are expressed, as well as perceived. This is why I would be concerned about the spread of English; it could definitely hurt the diversity of the world.  And the mainstream English is not nearly as melodious as half the other languages out there in my opinion.
112438
There would probably be three official languages: English, Spanish, and Chinese.  I believe they are the most-spoken languages on the planet.  I could be wrong, though.
350464
I could answer in Serbian or English, or whatever. But more people will understand if I use English. So maybe it is best to use that language 8-))
682123
I think it is a great idea!  We are a nation and we have the right to make an "OFFICIAL" anything.  Other countries have their official language.  We are not saying that you cannot speak other languages, but it should be MANDATORY that anyone who wants to be a citizen, must speak English.
282980
Well let us take it this way, if that country has accepted any international language and educates its citizens in that language I dont think it would be an issue if the national language. As an example: - Most of the countries have accepted English as an international language and children are taught english from class one. In public places you have the local language and as well as English.
652282
YES all offical business should be conducted in English
843909
people care about their languages, it's not reasonable, it's not defensible from any scientific point of view, it is just the way human culture is, so yes, it is desirable to try to preserve all languages. how would you feel if suddenly no one spoke english anymore and you were forced to express yourself for the rest of your life in another language?
625740
This is probably the most intelligent question I've seen on here all night. I agree with you. I'm a foreign language teacher and my take has always been that when you travel to another country you should at least pick up a little of the language to use with the locals. When you decide to LIVE in a country, you need to learn the language. Language and culture are so closely related that you can't fully assimilate unless you learn the language.
243861
language and culture barriers
1131734
People can speak whatever language they want.  Just don't expect the Americans who speak English to change.  I think it'd be like going to France and forcing them to speak English.
184684
You pretty much answered the question the way I would.  It would be great to break down the language barriers, so we would realize there are less differences between us and "everyone else" than we think.  But yes, I think there's the danger of becoming too similar.  Maybe not, though...every country still has different customs and "slang", so maybe the cultural uniqueness would prevail.
274180
You must get a language pack .