To remedy our past policies towards the languages of Native Americans and to encourage acquisition or retention of languages other than English by all Americans, the Linguistic Society of America urges our nation to protect and promote the linguistic rights of its people. To maintain their native language and, should they so desire, to pass it on to their children. When their facilities in English are inadequate, to be provided a qualified interpreter in any proceeding in which the government endeavors to deprive them of life, liberty or property. Moreover, where there is substantial linguistic minority in a community, interpretation ought to be provided by courts and other state agencies in any matter that significantly affects the public. To have their children educated in a manner that affirmatively addresses their linguistic deficiencies in English.
Children can only learn when they understand their teachers.
As a consequence, some use of their native language is often desirable to educate them successfully. To conduct business and to communicate with the public in the language of their choice. To use their preferred language for private conversations in the workplace. To learn to speak, read and write English, so that they can fully participate in the educational and economic life of this nation. All levels of government should adequately fund programs to teach English to any resident who desires to learn it.