In response to the opinion column, English-only bill on Monday concerning the establishment of an English-speaking community in Iowa, I would like to give my side of the argument.

I am grateful for the freedoms we, as Americans, receive and the opportunities we are given.

Freedom of speech, religion, assembly; all of them let us be free to make our own decisions. However, I believe that the line is drawn when communication is involved.

For these freedoms to be expressed, we must be able to communicate with each other effectively.

Communication is key for us to understand others. Immigrants are free to enter America, and we welcome them, but in order to survive in the “real world,” they must be able to communicate with everyone else.

If I were to go to Germany or Mexico, I would prepare myself to speak the language of the country I was in. I would not expect the entire country to adapt to me. I decided to go, so I am expected to adapt. This is seen in tourism everywhere. Tourists bring translating books so they can attempt to speak the native tongue. Tourists make the effort to communicate in the language.

Making immigrants learn English may get them to start learning it.

I have heard that English is the hardest language to learn, but many times, I don’t hear a breath of English come out of their mouths. I took some Spanish in high school. I am not fluent, but I can pick up some words.

You say forcing immigrants to learn English won’t help them learn any faster. Would that mean forcing children to be in school until a certain age makes them learn less? Maybe children shouldn’t be forced to go to school if they won’t learn any faster.

The point is, if we don’t force them into learning the language, they may never attempt to speak it. When everyone can communicate with each other, all of our freedoms can be expressed with the most effectiveness.

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Jeffrey Augustine

Sophomore

Business management