In an increasingly global society, why does the United States continue to view multilingualism as a threat? What is the difference between immigrant bilingualism and native English-speaking Americans whom are bilingual?
"In a globalized economy, multilingualism ought to be seen as an asset, not a divisive threat" (2008, Suárez-Orozco, Suárez-Orozco, & Todorova, p.368).
In the conclusion of Learning a New Land by Suarez-Orozco, Suarez-Orozco and Todorova a book I just finished. The authors discuss "realistic language policies" and specifically the perceptions of being bilingual or multilingual. The majority perceptions placed on being bilingual or multlingual 1. Differ quite greatly depending on who the bilingual or multilingual person is. 2. Are seen more as a threat to the American identity than an asset. Why is it that in many corners of society the U.S. has taken a more global approach, yet when it comes to language, English seems to be the one aspect that does not shift? Perhaps considering this questions helps in answering why multilingualism can be seen as a threat. There are several factors that contribute to multilingualism being viewed as a threat: national pride, linguistic elitism, the idea that speaking other languages than English is not American, and even linguistic balkanization (p. 368-369).
However the idea and notion that multilingualism is a threat, especially in the United States where English is not only the dominant language, but also a language that is used universally in many areas of the world and "is the lingua franca of business, science, diplomacy and pop culture" (2008, p. 369) is very dangerous. It is dangerous and detrimental to all parties involved both native English speakers (for the future of their country) and non-native English speaking immigrants (to aid in their assimilation/acculturation and future role in society). Suárez-Orozco writes, "In a global society, however, compulsive monolingualism is dangerously anachronistic" (2008, p.368). There are many benefits in cultivating multilingualism and supporting the native langauges of immigrants. While true there are current circles in the U.S. where multilingualism or bilingualism are viewed as an asset, they are mostly elitist and have not transpired into the U.S. education system or been recognized as valuable among immigrants who may be multilingual or bilingual or only steps away from achieving that status.
So a question that should be thought about further is what is the difference between immigrant bilingualism and native English-speaking Americans who are bilingual?
