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America is well-known as the melting pot of the world, but for some reason, there has been the persistent idea that we’re a nation of one – and only one – language. This concept belies the fact that the United States is comprised of a variety of languages, something that’s true for every country in the world. No single language acts as a complete universal for any nation, even if the majority of a nation’s population share a language. Indeed, language use changes over time, with one language being the predominant spoken form for certain generations, only to be replaced by another. As more and more people migrate around the world, they bring their languages with them – something from which the United States isn’t exempt. Some people dig their heels into the ground over the idea of any other language being spoken in America other than English, but here we’ll uncover why multilingualism is important and why the idea of a universal language is a myth.
The Language Myth:
Perhaps it’s the United States’ relatively isolated geographic position, but so many Americans tend to carry the assumption that the country is quite separate and very singular in its makeup. With only two land borders, north and south, and with the contiguous portion of the country being thousands of miles away from any other nation than these border countries, it’s easy to see how insular and ethnocentric mentalities can come into play. Even in the early days of the nation, though – in fact, the early days of the colonies – more than just English could be heard in North America. English, Spanish, Dutch, and German could be heard throughout the colonies, and, later, once the United States had formed, came the incorporation of the Louisiana Territory, an area that officially spoke French. In fact, the state of Louisiana today is a de facto bilingual state, legally recognizing both English and French. New Mexico is another de facto bilingual state, in this case recognizing both English and Spanish.
Spanish in America:
The Spanish language has a very long history in America – in fact, it was the first new language spoken in the Americas due to Spanish colonization. Florida was once Spanish territory, as was the Louisiana Territory before it was sold back to the French. Mexico once extended far into what is today the interior of the United States. It’s no wonder that Spanish is now the second most spoken language in the United States, with it estimated that over 35 million people in America speak the language. Indeed, it’s estimated that by the middle of the century Spanish may very well surpass English as the language most spoken in the United States. Such facts make it clear that the Spanish language and the cultures that go with it have a major impact on the fabric of America, from social and cultural standpoints, as well as from a commercial standpoint.
While many Spanish speakers also speak English, it’s understandable that the language they’re going to find more immediately relatable is the one they first learn and speak at home. With language tied so closely to cultural and individual identity, it’s only natural that we use Spanish abundantly in educational and cultural institutions as well as business endeavors. Many businesses in America are paying attention to the rise in Spanish speakers and are understanding that it pays to be bilingual. In order to show that their companies – and, therefore, the products and services they provide – are inclusive to everyone, business owners and executives are utilizing Spanish and Hispanic culture more and more in their business practices. One way they achieve this is by turning to a language service provider that can offer translation and interpretation services, as well as informed business strategies regarding a diverse range of demographics.
The Melting Pot:
It’s great that language services can help businesses reach various demographics bound by differing languages and cultures, especially considering how truly broad this diversity is in America. There are nearly 3 million Chinese speakers in the country, and a million or more speakers each of Korean, Vietnamese, French, German, and Tagalog, along with almost two dozen other languages spoken by large groups in America. Knowing the areas in which these languages predominate can help inform schools, businesses, and governments about how best to approach the area’s populace. The United States is a country of equal opportunities, where everyone’s right to pursue their dreams and find happiness is respected. Appreciating the multilingual nature of the country doesn’t have to mean snubbing any one language for another. Instead, it means actively extending a sense of respect and basic human value to every person by acknowledging these languages, and supporting the people and cultures that go along with them.
