As the debate about English as the Official Language of the U.S. rages, I recently took a break from text messaging my friend (“R U 4 Reals? LOL!”), eating my chalupas, and listening to the Timbaland single “The Way I Are,” to think about the consequences of an English-only America.
That’s when it occurred to me: We’re not exactly speaking English now.
From the BRB / CU Later phenomenon to “It’s Gettin Hot in Herre” – “proper English” no longer exists. Truly, the debate at hand is not about speaking English – it’s about NOT speaking English.
And while we can butcher the language all we want with extra letters, incorrect grammar, or painful short-hand text messages, it’s all okay. As long as we don’t speak Spanish.
