New decree of the President
Trump makes English the official language of the USA
English is the most spoken language in the United States by far. However, the United States has not yet had an official state language. It’s different now – and has consequences.
US President Donald Trump has declared English by decree on the official language of the United States. In the future, the regulation will free authorities to communicate exclusively in English or also in other languages. Trump raised a decree of the then democratic president Bill Clinton, which was issued more than 20 years ago. This advised to make official services and documents accessible in other languages so that people with poor knowledge of English are not disadvantaged.
English is by far the most mentioned language in the USA and is used for official communication. So far, however, there has been no officially stipulated official language at the federal level – unlike in some of the 50 states. Many authorities also publish their documents in Spanish, for example – according to English the most common spoken language in the United States. In total, more than 350 languages are spoken in the United States.
“Strengthen national values” or harass migrants?
In the accompanying text of the government of Trump’s decree, it says: “The definition in English as an official official language will not only standardize communication, but also strengthen common national values and create a more closed and efficient society.” To speak English helps immigrants to gain a foothold in the labor market, to participate in national traditions and to “give something back to our society”.
But there is also criticism of the decision. The government will use the decree to prevent school lessons for children of foreign origin in other languages other than English, warned the US organization United We Dream, which is committed to the rights of immigrants. Trump’s decree will encourage immigration authorities to “spend, outdo and harass individual people who speak in a certain way”.
Shortly after taking office, Trump had already paid the Spanish variant of the website of the White House from the network. This decision and the message she emitted to immigrants also sparked criticism.
dpa
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
