The English Language Amendment: Backgrounds and Prospects.

English has historically been accepted as the de facto language standard for the United States. Legislative efforts have attempted to manipulate language in this country, and there is presently an attempt to introduce a constitutional amendment making English the official language of the United States. Supporters of the amendment stress problems of miscommunication in a polyglot society, urge national unity, and emphasize the need to assimilate foreign populations. Opponents see the amendment as an effort not so much to promote English as to exclude certain non-English speaking immigrants, notably Hispanics and Asians, from our society. Adopting the amendment will not facilitate the adoption of English but may deter English learning by isolating non-English speakers further from the American mainstream. (Author/MSE)