News & Stories

'Speak English!' Nah, no thanks

Michelle Aguilar Ramirez
Eriberto Saavedra Felix

September 03, 2019 / 12:54 pm

caption: The United States doesn't have a national language. RadioActive's Eriberto Saavedra Felix wonders why people demand others - often people of color - to speak English.

"Speak English. Be American."

The United States doesn't have an official national language. Why do some people believe that speaking a language other than English is unpatriotic?

RadioActive's Eriberto Saavedra Felix and Michelle Aguilar Ramirez have always wondered why people demand others to speak English in the United States. They share their own experiences and talk to their parents and people on the street to find out more.

This story was created in KUOW's RadioActive Intro to Journalism Workshop for 15- to 18-year-olds, with production support from Kamil Saad. Edited by Lila Lakehart.

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The RadioActive theme song is by Prod Riddiman, Fabian Hernandez and Inline Sound Design.