Officially English

In Times Magazine (2006), the essay "In Plain English: Let's Make it Official," Charles Krauthammer analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of bilingualism. He starts off by stating he was from Canada, where he "had no choice about bilingualism." The United States, which is composed of many diversities, cultures, and religions has only one language officially: English. By explaining and referencing his experience in a country founded by bilingualism, Krauthammer wonders why America and its citizens are choosing to lose an opportunity to be bound by one language. Logically and ethically, he explains that it is acceptable to practice different languages, but it is NOT acceptable for the United States to establish every language as official: "No immigrant presumes to make the demand that the state grant special status to his language." While each person may continue spreading the use of their language, they should accept English "as the gateway to American life." By comparing the French-speaking people in Quebec and the rapidly growing Spanish communities in America, Krauthammer predicts that the acceptance of Spanish as an official language may be widely protested, as America is "a world far more complicated and fraught with division." With every document in English, it only makes sense to maintain the norm of English as the "U.S.'s national and common language." While America grants every individual the power to act upon their own opinions and practice their own practices, it is important to establish regularity and unity throughout the country. Which is in english. Branching off of his credibility, the reader understands the perspective and point Krauthammer displays.