Thursday, March 8, 2012
Pappas!
Political Science professor Dr. Christine Pappas has generously agreed to visit our class on Monday, March 12th to talk to us about legal and political issues relevant to legislation that would make English the official language of the nation. Please leave any questions you have for her in the comment box at the bottom of this post.
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From a political standpoint, how would making English the official language of the nation change the way in which presidential campaigns reach out to minorities?
ReplyDeleteLegally, could a non-English speaking "criminal" be tried and sentenced without a translator if they couldn't personally afford to pay for translating services? And what sort of turbulence would acts like this cause in the political scene?
- Noelle
Politically how would changing English to the official language of the US affect the minorities? Would this no longer be catering to them in any shape or form and how would a political spokesperson or any sort of political faction reach out more to the minorities if English was considered as the official language of the US? Would this put minorities at a disadvantage in any political situation if English was made as the official language of the US? Would this also make them feel disadvantaged in other ways than just politically?
ReplyDeleteLegally, would it make it harder for translators and the people they work with? Would they be considered obsolete or not as needed as they used to be? Would this be putting them out of jobs and how would this be considered in terms of legality?
-Kaitlyn Hatton-
According to our class's collective research, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 says that ballots and voter information must be provided in more than one language in jurisdictions where speakers of Spanish, Native American, and Asian American languages exceed 5 percent of the population or number more than 10,000 and have below average rates of voter turnout and English proficiency. Legally speaking, can this option be taken away from these non-English speakers if English becomes the official language?
ReplyDeletePolitically speaking about the same scenario, if ballots and voter information are only available in English, how do you think it would affect voter turnout during election-time? I mean, obviously if they can't read the ballot they'll be less likely to vote, but how do you think it would affect voter turnout and officials elected(which can later affect our economy) if less minorities are taking part in elections?
What are your feelings/thoughts about English becoming the official language?
ReplyDeleteDo you believe that if English doesn't become the official language that the economy will be effected in any way whether it be good or bad?
~Felisha Ring
Are there any pieces of legislation currently being considered regarding English as the official language, if yes what do you think the chances of it getting passed are. what is your personal ( not as a professor but an educated citizen) opinion on the English as an official language debate? how do you see english as an official language affecting us as a nation and do you think it will affect our relationship with the rest of the world?
ReplyDeleteIf English was made the official language of the United States, how many people do you think would lose their jobs in the translating services? Would it have a major effect on the job industry?
ReplyDelete-Ashley Tucker
If English was to be made the official language, where and how would those who are not English learn the language? Will there be services provided?
ReplyDeleteWhat rights, if any, would remain for the non-English speakers especially in the way of medical and government services?
What effect would English only laws have on non-spoken languages such as signed languages and braille?
ReplyDeleteWhat is the government required to do about things like printed documents or translation services in the absence of English only laws? How would English only laws change that?
Caitlin Giles
In the courtroom, if English was the official language, how might that effect speakers of other languages chances of a fair trial? Are translators always provided in these cases?
ReplyDelete