Official language doesn't mean you can't say ‘Hola'

Official language doesn't mean
you can't say ‘Hola'
By Carrie Coppernoll
The Oklahoman

A state representative from Moore promises English will be the official state language by the end of the month.

Rep. Randy Terrill announced he will ask voters to decide if Oklahoma should make English its official language. If that happens, I hope the ballots are in Spanish or Swahili, just to confuse people. If Oklahoma sets a state language, all state business would be conducted in English.

Language is fascinating to me. I'm only fluent in English, even though I can speak enough Spanish to get me by in a pinch. Bilingual people — especially children — always make me feel like a slacker.

When I was in South Africa last year, I was in awe of the number of languages spoken. The country has 11 official languages, one of which is English. Everyone I met was bilingual at least; many knew three languages or more. The South African national anthem has three verses, each in a different language.

Our national anthem, of course, is in one language. Everywhere I go, everything's written and spoken in English, which makes it terribly convenient for me. Sometimes I do have to "press one” when I call a company, and it's always a horrible, awful, life-altering hassle. OK, it's really not that bad. I just press one and move on.

But I do understand the point of having a state language — to streamline business and save money on translation. I also understand that speaking another language isn't something to be ashamed of.

Genetia Wagoner of Oklahoma City: "I agree that English should be the official state language, simply because of the numerous cultures that we have in the state. English is the common denominator; it's what allows all of us to communicate without having to learn several widely different languages.”

Joe Mann of Oklahoma City: "All I know is that to become a citizen you must be able to read, comprehend and converse in English. So to me that in effect is the official language. By declaring an official language does not mean you can't speak another one, just that all official printings would be in that one. As sometimes the conversion from one language to another, although correct, can change the intent of a law or rule.”