After discussing the issue of whether a majority of jobs should have a set requirement for English language only, I can say I partially agree with it. Being that English is the most common language in the U.S., I do feel that an individual should have a set minimum understanding and skill to speak the English language; it should be in a sense the default language. However, I do not agree that it should be the only language allowed to be spoken. A person should not be discriminated because he/she feels to speak a language that they personally feel more comfortable with. When it comes to socializing and even at times dealing with customers who happen to speak a language that one does, a different language other than English is then acceptable. It should be taking into consideration who to speak a certain language to for covience of others to participate in socializing or simply understanding, but at the same time no law should force or deny someone to speak any other language.
Just like we have rights to the freedom of speech and different religious beliefs, we are indeed entitled to a natural right to speak a form of language we see best to communicate with others. It is understandable to see that America what set on the English language from England and that it is considered the universal language. However, America has come a long way where most of its population is diverse now; with just about every kind of race and type of language taking place in the U.S.
You have a very fair and balanced perspective in this post. If English is the "default" and not the rule, as you suggest, then it seems one potential "solution" to this issues would be to provide more services to those attempting to or who wish to learn English so that while all languages are allowed the playing field is more level in terms of who has access to societal resources based on language skills.
ReplyDeleteI sort of agree with you here. Yes English is the main language in the U.S. and being so it should be required to have a certain level of fluency in the language of the country you work in. But at the same time America is supposed to be a place that's integrated, a melting pot for the world. By implementing a workplace policy in which English is the only language allowed, you would be violating some of the principles in which the nation was founded upon. Not to mention alienate customers who might not be comfortable with their own English speaking abilities.
ReplyDeleteWhat I've noticed is that the essence of the question has been lost a bit in the class discussion. If English needs to be spoken in a work place it should be the duty of the employer to make sure the perspective employee has all the skills needed to completely the job. Denying a person a job because they do not speak enough English isn't discrimination against immigrants at all. There are many people who come from other countries and even speak English better than natives.
If someone were to speak in another language at the work place its their business. As long as they can do their job correctly and respectfully it shouldn't be an issue that behind the scenes they speak a different language. It would be an issue of courtesy when it comes to co-workers feeling uncomfortable about that and should be discussed between the employees and the employer/manager.
-Adolfo