Hello, it’s thatgirljen, the wife, here again with a guest post!
You might not know, but I’m a homeschooling parent. That means I get to impart
all sorts of vital information and knowledge upon our kiddo. Thankfully, there’s
the internet, which is great for sourcing and researching all the facts.
Here’s something to consider: Are you aware that English is not the official
national language here in the United States of America?
I’ll use the term English to refer to as what we call “American English or US
English” to hopefully avoid any confusion along the way. But then again, there
is confusion.
This blog post is sparked by a FB rant post I happened across, during
election time. I know, super glad election season is finally over. Hopefully the
excessive phone calls, texts, emails and strangers on the doorstep at dinner
time will finally cease… and YES I VOTED! Thanks for asking. 🙂 A friend had
posted on their page that there were too many languages to choose from on their
election ballot, and that it was “disgraceful” to see such a thing.
Their words, not mine.
NOTE: I am not a bleeding heart liberal, I am neither registered blue or
red. I just look at all the info presented, make the best personal decision
based on whatever unbiased facts I can find, and go from there. I’m actually
rather conservative.
I found it interesting; most people believe English is our national language
here in the good old USofA… Well, “American English,” is largely spoken and
understood here, but it is NOT our OFFICIAL language. Google it. America’s
Official Language Meaning that we do not have an actual legal
mandated language. But you knew that already, right? That doesn’t mean we
haven’t tried, or attempted. Many, many, many times, there have been pushes in
congress to amend the constitution, to enforce English as our national language,
but that amendment has not yet been passed. It is not law.
Should it be? I’d vote YES! to that. Shocking? No, not really. This is not to
spark any argument, but feel free to comment below! I’d really like to know
what you think. American English is our commonly spoken tongue. We truly are a
melting pot, and have built this great country upon the many customs,
traditions and cultures of those who came before us. What really saddens, me is
how uninformed many people are. To the point of arguing, rather than learning
(just google it people) and becoming better educated and informed on the
matter. Knowledge is powerful. Seriously, if we WERE to have an official
language, would it then be the Queen’s English that we would speak? In fact,
the America we know and love was actually colonized and founded by many
different groups of people, all hailing from various regions, mostly European,
countries. The Dutch, French, Spanish and yes the British all made way to the
“new world” in hopes of finding either a new life, to have a new beginning or
escaping the religious oppression of their king.
There were also many other failed colonies before
Jamestown, (named after King James I) it just so happened that the
people of Jamestown were capable of surviving, and their colony flourished,
hence we now speak a form of English. If we were to go 300 or so years back in
time, via the amazing hot tub time machine, the Indigenous peoples of the
Americas, Native Americans/American Indians as we know them, were here long
before the Europeans set foot upon this great land. With that, Happy
Thanksgiving! Another little tidbit. The white Anglo-Saxon man wouldn’t have
survived had it not been for the gracious and caring Native American people. Let
that sink in. The survival of the first successful settlers here in the USofA
was contingent and reliant upon the native people’s generosity.
So while I’ll be slaving away in the kitchen putting together our Thanksgiving
feast, and Josh will be smoking a turkey for this national
American holiday, I do actually take a moment to remind myself: I’m thankful
that I live in America, the greatest country!
With that, the too long short read is:
- The USofA doesn’t have an official national language, YET!
- Most acknowledge American English, as our commonly understood language.
- Just GOOGLE it people. period
- I’m not giving the middle finger to Turkey day, I just also give thanks to the
- American Indians and pour some out for ALL my homies on that day.
- America FUCK YEAH!
In closing, I understand, it’s frustrating that every time we turn around,
there’s a new issue or special interest group with an agenda or proposal.
Everyone wants to not only be heard, but to be right. And if you have a
differing opinion, view or stance on the matter… well then, we’re going off
the rails. There are too many new concessions being made to be overly
inclusive. Do I agree with it all? NOPE, I don’t. I really don’t. Is it worth
a silly argument, and getting all bent out of shape over it? NOPE, it really
isn’t. Not everyone will ever be 100% happy.
Having multiple languages on the voting ballot, seems nonsensical.
Collectively as a whole, the majority of us, we read, write and speak English
here in America. Maybe one day soon, we will end this confusion, and establish
a known official national language. Until then, as long as English is the
either default or first option, I’m OK with that.
And FTR, English is not the world’s most popular language, another
cool piece of knowledge.
Thanks for reading!
