France had French as its official language, yet many now prefer English. The U.S. DOES NOT have an official language, yet EVERY SECOND GENERATION American speaks the language (even in Miami, where I lived for three years in a Colombian neighborhood).
If French culture were erased from the face of the earth, we would miss, uh, TinTin? The Michelin Man?
Why so hostile? I'm not "Gallic," even though I am mostly of French descent (I'm from Louisiana). I'm American and it IS possible to be a proud American and appreciate and even participate in the cultures of other countries.
There are many people in the south Florida area that are unable to speak even passable English. That is not really my gripe though. I was learning Spanish and was happy to have the near-immersion.
My complaint is that Spanish and, increasingly, Creole are quasi-official languages in south Florida. When I went to court in Miami-Dade County (I was an attorney), informational signs outside the courtroom were displayed in English, Spanish and Creole. Service information with every complaint had to be in English, Spanish and Creole (this may be statewide; I don't recall). My Miami-Dade voter registration card was in English, Spanish and Creole. I imagine the situation is similar in the states on the Mexico border.
English is the de facto "official language" of the US and I think anyone who chooses to live there should have to learn English. Those who choose not to should not be accommodated at taxpayer expense.
"The U.S. DOES NOT have an official language, yet EVERY SECOND GENERATION American speaks the language (even in Miami, where I lived for three years in a Colombian neighborhood)."
If the numbers keep up that will change.
Actually, I think Tintin is Belgian, but I'm not positive. :0)