A significant number of Iowans could answer oui, ja or sí to such inquiries about their multi-lingual - or at least bilingual - talents. It should be cause for rejoicing, because for at least the past generation, the mantra in America has been that learning a foreign language was not only desirable, but essential for Americans to compete in an ever-shrinking global market.
How ironic then, for public policy makers in this country, and now in our state, to invoke what amounts to an 11th commandment: English is your mother tongue; thou shall speak no other tongue before it.
It sounds almost benign that some members of the Iowa legislature want to formally codify English as Iowa's official language. Earth-shattering policy this isn't. Aside from isolated pockets of ethnic concentrations, English already is the official language of Iowa.
Absent thus far have been convincing arguments for putting what happens naturally here into law.
Common language is necessary, according to Rep. Betty Grundberg, R-Des Moines, because, because "you can't resolve conflicts if you can't talk to each other." Also others have made the point that you can't do business if you can't talk with each other, either."
Since inability to communicate generally complicates daily life, however, people learn rather quickly that the obvious solution is to speak a common tongue. It's sort of a marriage of convenience, if you will. Unlike too many marriages these days, this one seems to be working pretty well. To assimilate into our society, immigrants generally have no choice but to become proficient in English. That makes it official in a way no law can ever do.
Yet, for reasons that aren't clear, lawmakers might make English the "official language" of Iowa because it pleases them to do so. As they ponder this action - an unnecessary one, at that - let them consider this:
Most Iowans are not embarrassed or offended that some among them do not have a perfect command of their language. Most see it as their duty to help others surmount those communications barriers. However, from the Native Americans who were here before any of the rest of us, to the Czech and Slovak immigrants who have contributed so much to this city and state, the diversity of this state's ethnic heritage is something all should cherish and preserve. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa Gazette. Editorial of April 10, 199