By SheelaR
I’m not a linguistics expert, but I love the power of words. I relish in the moment when I can express myself thorough a few well placed words. I love using them to compose my deepest darkest and brightest thoughts. I love that they can be used to uplift and teardown in the same sentence. Words are incredibly powerful. I know that all sounds a bit dramatic, but it’s why I write this blog. It’s not just me having a few TMI moments; it’s me appreciating what I can do when I string my thoughts together for a perfect moment of expression. It’s my therapy and my passion.
I guess that was a little dramatic…because, I said all that just to say this… Recently, former Alaskan governor and vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, was quoted as saying “When you’re here, let’s speak American.” What exactly is American? I’ve seem to have missed that class in school. In America, we like to extol the virtues of being free, but then we tell someone who’s not born of this country… that if they can’t and don’t speak language, they should go home. That is the epitome of ignorance and hypocrisy, and it doesn’t sound like something you’d hear in the ‘Land of the Free.’
The use of English in the United States is a result of British colonization. The first wave of English-speaking settlers arrived in North America during the 17th century, followed by further migrations in the 18th and 19th centuries. Since then, American English has been influenced by the languages of West Africa, the Native American populations, German, Dutch, Irish, Spanish, and other languages of successive waves of immigrants to the United States. In other words…There is no such thing as a uniquely American language. The English language is a compendium of different languages.
Not to mention…the America’s also include Central and South America, where you’ll find the primary languages to be Spanish and Portuguese.
It is frightening to know that Ms Palin was once the governor of Alaska…of all places. Even more frightening, is that we have no respect for the very thing that makes America great…its beautiful and diverse population of people. Sarah Palin, please use your WORDS and your freedom to express them, a little wiser next time.
Thoughts of a Wordinary Girl 