A current debate that is going on in the state of Oklahoma concerns the establishment of English as our official language. This is a measure that is mainly being considered in order to save the state money. The state is having a few money troubles following several of its larger, more expensive projects such as the building of the dome on the Oklahoma capitol.
If passed, the measure would enable the state to print some of their documents in only one language instead of several. Money could also be saved by firing translators that serve the state’s needs.
It is worth questioning this proposal’s motives when you consider the cost of pushing a bill through the legislature. Supposing the bill is really just about saving money, why is the state spending the money to get it passed? Lobbyists and lawyers have to eat, after all.
Some are worried about the precedents that such a bill might have, such as the adoption of “English-Only” initiatives that other cities have employed in their school systems’ curriculum.
Many people have said that such a change might force the non-English speakers to learn the language by providing them with an incentive. Many Americans feel that it is the immigrants’ responsibility to learn the language and not our own.
In a related issue, the Tulsa World reported on Wednesday that Hispanics have outnumbered blacks as this state’s largest minority population.
Many Hispanics come to Oklahoma because we have a reputation for being a good place to raise a family. We also have the largest American Indian population in the nation, and many tribes have languages of their own as well. A bill which officializes English and rules out all other options may alienate other people.
We must ask ourselves where the burden really lies when we consider this issue. The burden will fall squarely on the shoulders of foreigners. Still, the costs of the measure might not outweigh the benefits, but perhaps this is not the best stance for a country that was mostly made from immigrants.
Loading ...
All Articles