“If Only We All Spoke Two Languages”
In the article, Dorfman is of the opinion that America should become multilingual instead of remaining monolingual. Most of the American people support their language because most of the countries around the world are turning English in their lingua franca. They claim that English is the best language and is used in every aspect of the exchanges between societies. This was manifested in the California referendum where most people rejected adoption of a second language. Rather, they resorted to a program referred to as immersion, where children would be taken through intensive English training before being taken to a regular class. This was the best option and where the future of America belonged. This perspective aimed at ensuring that the country remained monolingual. The experiences of the author have enabled him identify some of the advantages of being multilingual. Many challenges face America in the near future if it fails to adopt or become multilingual. The world is turning out to be multilingual, because many people around the globe know various languages. Therefore, this will be a disadvantage to the Americans, especially when negotiating on a national basis. Being able to speak multiple languages also enables individuals to have both economic and political edge over the others. Furthermore, it is the only best way to understand and appreciate other people’s culture, which gives a person an opportunity to open and transform to a person able to fit in all environments. The analysis of the author helps in providing more insights to the arguments.
The thesis highlight in the article is about promotion of multilingualism as opposed to monolingualism. The author presents his arguments consistently and precisely throughout the essay. The author uses his own experiences in life to demonstrate the importance of Americans teaching their children their native language. Monolingualism hinders children to appreciate their cultures and secludes people in global events such as politics and economics. Even though pro-monolingual who agitate for adoption of one-language English claim that it imprisons children in their original language, this is not possible according to the author. These native languages are important in children’s life as it builds bridges to learning of English. It also helps children to be alive and therefore appreciate the native languages from their fore fathers. He quotes, “it keeps it alive in order to build bridges” (Dorfman 2). Furthermore, the author is opposed to the immersion method where children undergo one year training on the English before going to the regular classroom, terming it as inappropriate. The decision taken by the parents in the California education was not the right decision. The author highlights the consequences of monolingualism in advancing his arguments. He uses his own examples to testify the disadvantages of monolingualism. He says, “I suffered the immersion in 1945 when I was two and half years” (Dorfman 2). The author suffered communication hiccups when he was taken in a hospital in Manhattan, where doctors only spoke in English and could not speak Spanish.
Language is one of important instruments used to pass information and makes individuals appreciate other cultures. Language helps people interact and appreciate different ways of people. This is evidenced through the author’s narrations. When he went to Chile, he learned Spanish and when the government was toppled, he was able to go to America and still be accommodated because he was able to speak and understand the two languages. He says, “… making me into this hybrid creature who now used both languages and writes memoir in English and a play in Spanish…” (Dorfman 2).
Being a multilingual helps an individual to be accommodated or have an added advantage in negotiations and issues related to economic and political matters. Learning multiple languages helps individuals to fit in all facets of the society and be able to cope with others well. For instance, a person who is able to communicate in two languages will be in a better position to get employed and even be a good ambassador to his country when discussing issues of national importance. The author argues, “acquiring second language not only gives people an economic and political edge….the most stimulating way to open your life and transform yourself”. This demonstrates the value and significance of being multilingual. However, Americans are opposed to this view of becoming multilingual because they believe that their language is widespread and is used by people around the globe. However, according to Dorfman, this should not be the reason for the Americans to be opposed to adopting multilingualism, where their children can learn their native languages before being taught English. It is a wonderful experience and it is possible because immigrants come to America and still learn English as their second language, “If people could realize that immigrant children are better off, and less scarred, by holding on to their first languages as they learn a second one, then perhaps Americans could accept a more drastic change” (Dorfman 2).
The author has therefore presented his arguments in a logic manner. Relevant examples have been used to support the arguments such as personal experiences. Indeed, it is true that being multilingual is an advantage to people because it helps individuals to appreciate other peoples’ cultures and way of life. Moreover, it gives people political and economic edge.
Works Cited
Dorfman, Ariel. If Only We All Spoke Two Languages. 1998. Print
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