So what is the “Official” language of the United States?
Half the countries of the world have an official language. The United States isn’t one of them. The debate over whether we need an official tongue dates back at least to the 1750s.
Today members of Congress continue to try to pass laws making English the official language.
What do you call someone who speaks 3 languages?Trilingual.What do you call someone who speaks two languages?Bilingual.What do you call someone who speaks ONE language?American!
More than one native language? It’s possible. Compare English as spoken in Maine to that in Georgia or Louisiana or Hawaii. Add in local informal usage and the issue becomes interesting and funny at times.
My canadian grandfather can speak french and english fluently. I’ve had 7 years of spanish, plus a semester in college, and I would be lucky if I could conjugate a verb. At least I still remember “¿Donde esta la baña?” and “¿Puedo ver sus senos?” The latter got me slapped a lot, but worth remembering when it didn’t.
My favourite phrase is “Yo no habla francais”. It gets the point across quite well when I’m asked if I am fluent in French..… Canada. Two official languages. English. and not withstanding… French. (and don’t anger the Language Police)
i_am_the_jam over 10 years ago
Yes, they can. Deal with it, Toby.
Agent54 over 10 years ago
So what is the “Official” language of the United States?
Half the countries of the world have an official language. The United States isn’t one of them. The debate over whether we need an official tongue dates back at least to the 1750s.
Today members of Congress continue to try to pass laws making English the official language.
Space_cat over 10 years ago
What do you call someone who speaks 3 languages?Trilingual.What do you call someone who speaks two languages?Bilingual.What do you call someone who speaks ONE language?American!
shadyguy over 10 years ago
That kids head is hollow.
ChessPirate over 10 years ago
Why oui, my petite yo-yo, ils can!
dzw3030 over 10 years ago
More than one native language? It’s possible. Compare English as spoken in Maine to that in Georgia or Louisiana or Hawaii. Add in local informal usage and the issue becomes interesting and funny at times.
Comic Minister Premium Member over 10 years ago
Of course Toby.
gregcartoon Premium Member over 10 years ago
Learning a second language does good things for your brain. And increases the number of places where you can ask the whereabouts of the restrooms.
Boots at the Boar Premium Member over 10 years ago
My canadian grandfather can speak french and english fluently. I’ve had 7 years of spanish, plus a semester in college, and I would be lucky if I could conjugate a verb. At least I still remember “¿Donde esta la baña?” and “¿Puedo ver sus senos?” The latter got me slapped a lot, but worth remembering when it didn’t.
Hunter7 over 10 years ago
My favourite phrase is “Yo no habla francais”. It gets the point across quite well when I’m asked if I am fluent in French..… Canada. Two official languages. English. and not withstanding… French. (and don’t anger the Language Police)