PUERTO RICO - OFFICIAL LANGUAGE CONTROVERSY Int

This research paper presents the current controversy regarding the official language of Puerto Rico. Pros and cons are examined for both languages.

English First is an organization that targets the United States and is dedicated toward making English the official language. Spanish First is a group that targets Puerto Rico and strives to preserve the Spanish language. Because the two groups target different populations, they do not contradict each other; they both battle against government programs that impose bilingual education on public schools and children (Harrop 1104K6384).

Spanish First was formed to respond to the Puerto Rican Department of Education and it's controversial program to make English a second language of instruction in the public schools. Although English has been widely taught in Puerto Rico, asking instructors to teach mathematics, history, and other subjects in English is a new concept. Increasing fluency in English is intended to improve Puerto Rico's chances of becoming the 51st state (Harrop 1104K6384).

There is concern in Washington about adding a non-English-speaking state to the union. Puerto Ricans are concerned about joining an overwhelmingly English-speaking country; most do not speak English. Alternatively, Puerto Ricans view bilingual education as an attack on their culture. Puerto Rico is a Spanish-speaking country and changing instr

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cultural suicide. Some teachers have stated that they refuse to teach English. The priority of Puerto Rican schools is to teach children Spanish; most students lack basic English skills by the time they graduate (Amselle 38-39). Cultural leaders in Puerto Rico oppose statehood and English. They report that Puerto Rico is the victim of constant cultural aggression with publicity directed at eliminating the Spanish language; Puerto Ricans feel they are being invaded by North Americans. These opposers believe that Puerto Rico is a nation within itself and the United States will never eliminate Spanish. They state that there will always be ethnic tension if the United States tries to make Puerto Rico a state. If Spanish remains the official language and Puerto Rico becomes a state, judicial affairs will be a problem. Non-Spanish-speaking American citizens would need a translator to receive justice in American courts of law located in a state of Puerto Rico (Amselle 38-39). The pros and cons of statehood and English as the official language are argued. Statehood would increase federal benefits, improve the island's economy, insure rights to U.S. citizenship, and allow voting in presidential and congressional elections. Mos
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1490
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)