How Americans Feel About Immigrants and Culture

In this chapter, you have learned about important elements of culture. One of these elements, language, is important because it both describes and shapes culture for us.

In the United States today, many languages are spoken, although English is still the dominant one.

A recent survey asked people if they were worried that the United States is no longer an English-speaking nation, and if they felt that immigrants should be required to learn English before they become citizens. To examine the results of this survey, go to http://www.publicagenda.org, click on Immigration under "The Issues" on the left-hand side of the page, then click on Quick Takes, and scroll down the page to Language. Click on the first graph and the following question:

1. Think about the kinds of jobs that do not require knowledge of English. What sorts of jobs do you think that non-English speaking immigrants are acquiring?

Now click your web browser's Back button, select the second graph under Language, and answer this question:

2. Why do so many Americans believe that it is important for immigrants to learn English? Are there practical reasons, or is it more a matter of values?

Click your Back button again, select the third graph under Language, and answer this question:

3. Two-thirds of American parents surveyed thought children of recent immigrants should take all of their classes in English. Which group of parents was most likely to want English taught as quickly as possible? How do you feel about this issue?