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ERIC Number: ED350884
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1992-Dec
Pages: 4
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
English Plus. ERIC Digest.
Lewelling, Vickie W.
Recent efforts to make English the only official language of the United States have spurred an "English Plus" language advocacy movement, based on the belief that all U.S. residents should have the opportunity to become proficient in English and one or more other languages. For non-native English speakers, this means opportunity to acquire proficiency in English and maintain proficiency in their native language(s). Proponents view cultural diversity as a strength. The "Official English" movement seeks to make English the official language of the U.S. by passing a constitutional amendment, repealing bilingual voting requirements, reducing funding for bilingual education, enforcing English language and civics requirements for naturalization, and expanding English language learning opportunities. The movement is spearheaded by two groups, "English First" and "U.S. English." The Official English movement has gained considerable attention but little success at the federal level. However, 16 states have constitutional amendments or statutes making English the official language. The English Plus movement has provided a means for advancing policies supporting linguistic pluralism on state and local levels, and it has received endorsement in counties and municipalities around the country. (MSE)
Publication Type: ERIC Publications; ERIC Digests in Full Text
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages and Linguistics, Washington, DC.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A