Why 'official English' matters

[Harold Schiffman]

Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Why 'official English' matters
Learning English is key for non-English speakers to assimilate and
function well in the U.S.
By Shannon L. Goessling, Special to the Daily Report

The term "official English" begs for definition, particularly because
30 states—including nine state constitutions—protect English as the
official language of their states. As the Georgia General Assembly
considers a constitutional amendment mandating English as the official
language of the state, accurately explaining what "official English"
is not is every bit as important as explaining what it is.
Constitutional amendments don't appear out of thin air. Voters have
approved by huge majorities the concept that English is and must be
the official language. State lawmakers have the legitimate,
constitutional power to start this process with a resolution.

Contrary to anti-English advocates, "official English" does not mean
that children—including those who do not speak English well or at
all—will lose access to language training in public schools. "Official
English" does not mean that non-English speakers will be discriminated
against in courts of law. It does not mean that states are forbidden
from marketing business opportunities to the world in multiple
languages. In short, "official English" does not mean that states
cannot accommodate the special needs of non-English speakers while
learning English. But that's the key: non-English speakers in the U.S.
must learn to speak English in order to function well and assimilate.

Does that sound harsh? Consider that applicants for U.S. citizenship
must speak English and pass a test. Commercial truck drivers must take
driver's license exams in English, according to federal law. Road
signs are in English. Court documents, laws, military
command-and-control, and tax forms are in English. "Official English"
is common sense.

In 1990, 88 percent of Alabama voters approved an "official English"
constitutional amendment. The amendment is clear and concise. In order
to comply with the new amendment, the Alabama Department of Public
Safety stopped giving driver's license exams in multiple languages and
offered the exam exclusively in English. The policy remained in effect
for six years, until a 10-year non-English-speaking resident filed a
lawsuit. That lawsuit went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court,
which threw it out. Nevertheless, during the appeals process, Alabama
returned to a policy of offering the driver's license exams in
multiple languages. The current Alabama governor has cited executive
authority for the state's current confused policy.

The citizens of Alabama, represented by Southeastern Legal Foundation,
challenged this constitutional contradiction. Though the case is
currently under reconsideration, the Alabama legislature has taken up
the cause with a bill that would specifically implement the intent of
the "official English" amendment. Alabama lawmakers know that the
state's voters intended the driver's license exams—among other
exclusive state functions—be conducted in English. Again, the state
has the legitimate power to do this; it does not need to wait on
federal action.

As for public safety, the case is clear: The ability to speak English
protects drivers on our nation's roads. Consider that Alabama
officials attributed a steep rise in work-related fatalities—the large
majority due to traffic accidents—to the growing number of workers
unable to read or understand signs in English. The ability to
understand road signs, together with an ability to communicate with
law enforcement and medical personnel, support requiring
state-licensed drivers to have a command of the English language.

As a policy matter, special English as a Second Language (ESL) courses
have been designed to enable non-English speakers to meet minimum
requirements for government purposes, as with the driver's license
exam. Mandating government functions exclusively in English gives
impetus for non-English speakers to learn required English, function
better and more safely, and would still meet the "official English"
constitutional mandate.

State lawmakers in Alabama and 30 other states have done—or are
doing—the right thing by acknowledging the importance of the English
language as the common tongue of our government, commerce, and
culture. Measures have passed by overwhelming margins. The federal
government requires English proficiency for a host of basic practices.
It's truly compassionate to encourage our newest residents to quickly
assimilate into American society.

Shannon L. Goessling, Special to the Daily Report


http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=2%2F19%2F2008%4021377
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