Why don't US have an official English language instutition?

[Anonymous]

That is so interesting. They don't even have a law that it is the official language of such a powerful country. Or don't they have a language instutition? How does US update it's language? Is it tied to the UK?

[Anonymous]

Like Canada, language is more a State than Federal issue. Some states are historically Spanish such as the South western border states others like Louisiana.

Also unlike Canada we actually have a very powerful cultural and economic relations that has historically made it obvious language is just the words you speak and you choose your words because you want to speak with others.

As such it was never advantageous for Louisiana or the south western states to cling too strongly to french or Spanish in an economy that is otherwise almost entirely English.

They want to trade and do business and not knowing English makes that a lot more difficult for them in this economy. In fact it would make it a lot more difficult for them anywhere on the world but particularly here in North America.

[NamerOfStars]

English has been our official language since the Obama administration; I don't know why so many people struggle to accept this. And no, we don't have a "language institution"; not being France, we're not France.

[Jessica405]

Language and the meaning of words change all the time. Dictionaries change to suit new words and new meanings. Like a new word is google, as a verb. To google.

In UK, a pretty standard measure of words and meanings is the Oxfod Dictionary.

[exitseven]

It is Why doesn't the US have an official language institution?

The US does not need it. Our official language is English it does not need to be made a law, it is universally accepted.

[monorprise]

It is true to an extent, if you don't know English its going to be rather difficult to be successful in America or as successful around the world.

English is the common global language of trade for historic and economic reasons.

You have to be like Canada and willing to impoverish yourself just to be different to forget language is merely a tool.

[RockyHammock]

The whole American appeal comes down to freedom. A policy of inclusivity wouldn't support that ideal. It's why Christianity, though dominant, would never be recognized to represent America

[Anonymous]

English is the official language but because of so many immigrants they actually have some things in Spanish, seems to cater to minorities in many ways that the majority has no say over here