Residents of the United States speak over 350 languages across the nation. While English is already the official language in over 30 states, Trump’s executive order comes at a time when the number of people in the U.S. who speak languages other than English is only growing. According to 2022 data from the U.S. Census, roughly one in 10 people now speak a language other than English, over triple the amount in 1980.
While the order assures to “promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement,” many are concerned it will further alienate immigrant communities.
During these already difficult times, this executive decision could make it harder for non-English speakers to fill out healthcare forms, get necessary government services, or even vote.
Dani Zand graduated from USC last May with a major in business and a minor in Spanish. Zand is half Indian half Persian and grew up in Southern California. He speaks Farsi, Hindi, English, and Spanish. His thoughts on the executive order are a nod to the diverse community of Los Angeles.
“Multilingual people are not going anywhere,” said Zand. “It’s a shame that there has to be a written law in that now, but I don’t think that’s going to stop anyone who truly loves speaking new languages, exploring different cultures, and embracing that here in this country.”
Trump’s executive order is the first of its kind. It rescinds a mandate signed in 2000 by former President Bill Clinton which required government agencies and anyone who received federal funds to provide translated documents and other language services to people who speak limited English.
Speaking to people in languages they understand is critical. Pianist Pauline Yang, a U.S. arts envoy for the U.S. Department of State, who is proficient in Mandarin Chinese, Italian, German, and Russian understands this better than most.
“I have come to realize in my career, especially through my travels, that in fact not knowing another language or multiple languages would actually be a disadvantage to individuals,” said Yang. “It is so critically important that we try to learn as many as possible and try to learn each one as well as possible because it really makes you be able to connect with that culture more directly.”
French Professor Mina Soroosh shared the importance of multilingual abilities.
“If someone does know a language or multiple languages, they’re able to connect to not only other people but other worlds, other mindsets, other perspectives, other ways of being in the world, other histories and knowledge and culture,” said Soroosh. “It’s an awareness and a knowledge that there’s not just one language and one type of thinking and speaking in the world.”
What Trump’s executive order means for the country is still up for debate. What is not up for debate is the fact that non-English speakers have and will continue to be crucial members of this country.