Language Selection at the Independence of the United States: More Than Just English
The assumption that the United States chose English as its official language at independence is a common misconception. In reality, the Founding Fathers did not stipulate an "official language" for the entire country. This decision, or rather the lack of one, stemmed from pragmatic and inclusive considerations rather than a deliberate choice of a single tongue.
The Linguistic Assumptions of the Founding Fathers
Most of the Founding Fathers, including many of the influential leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin, held a scholarly view of language and culture. They believed that an educated American should be familiar with classical languages like Latin and Greek, as well as modern languages such as French. It was natural that they assumed much of the population would continue to use English in their everyday lives and for official documents. However, no explicit document from that time period declared English as the sole official language of the new nation.
The Role of English in Founding Documents
While it is true that many important documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, were written in English, their choice was not a result of any stipulated necessity. English was the native language of the Founding Fathers and the one they used in their everyday communications, which explains its prevalence. The primary reason for using English was to ensure that the average American could understand the content of these documents, thereby fostering national unity and understanding. Many of the Founding Fathers were also polyglots, familiar with languages such as French, Latin, and Greek. But their practical decision was to use a language with wide usage among the general population.
Linguistic Diversity at Independence
It is important to recognize the linguistic diversity that existed in the 13 colonies during the revolution. Each colony had its own unique mix of languages, reflecting a blend of native, indigenous, and European influences. New York, for example, had a significant number of Dutch speakers. Pennsylvania was home to many German speakers, with some still speaking these languages today among the Amish and Mennonite communities. New England had a large French-speaking population, and other regions had settlers from various European nations. The complexity of this linguistic landscape was a reflection of the diverse origins of the early American settlers.
The same linguistic diversity was present in the early states. Interestingly, when Louisiana petitioned for statehood, one of the stipulations placed by Congress was that the rights of English speakers needed to be protected. This new state eventually made both English and French official languages, possibly the earliest state to declare language policies. This showcases the early recognition of linguistic pluralism in the United States.
The Assimilative Nature of American Society
The assimilative nature of American society can be traced back to both the treatment of Native Americans and the subsequent assimilation of immigrant communities in the 19th century. The tactics used to assimilate Native Americans, including forced boarding schools and language abandonment, were later applied to immigrant populations. However, English was chosen as the dominant language not because of any imposed mandate, but because it was already widely spoken and understood. The assimilation process, therefore, was driven by practical considerations and the desire for national unity.
Even as the various immigrant groups integrated into American society, they often faced pressure to learn English. This process was accelerated during World War I, when the large minority of German speakers faced scrutiny and loss of cultural influence. The official status of English as the predominant language in the U.S. was thus a result of a combination of pragmatic choices and historical developments rather than a deliberate policy decision at the moment of independence.