ERIC Number: ED312904
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1989
Pages: 96
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Is There a Hidden Agenda? The English Language Amendment.
Cline, Herman H.
A discussion of the movement to make English the official language of the United States, by constitutional amendment, looks for a hidden agenda among its advocates. The history of and debate over the amendment in Congress and around the country are reviewed, drawing from legislative texts, speeches, essays, media commentary, and related research. It is argued that groups supporting the amendment try to advance their proposals by appealing to the traditions of the American value system, opposing the "salad bowl" concept of American culture (in which different elements are thrown together but not "melted") in favor of the "melting pot" concept which envisages a much more homogeneous society. Proposed elimination of the bilingual ballot and cutbacks in bilingual education are viewed as part of the same movement. Political implications of the amendment as well as implications for the teaching of English as a Second Language are examined. A bibliography of over 220 items is appended. (MSE)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A