Why English Is Actually a Foreign Language in America
One of the most common phrases heard in the United States, especially in debates around immigration and cultural identity, is: “This is America, speak English.” While this statement is often used to assert the dominance of English in public life, it ignores the complex linguistic and cultural history of the country. In fact, English itself is a foreign language in America — brought here through colonization and layered over a rich tapestry of Indigenous and immigrant languages. Understanding this truth challenges narrow definitions of American identity and highlights the diversity that has shaped the nation.
1. Indigenous Languages: America’s Original Voices
Long before English-speaking settlers arrived on North American shores, the continent was inhabited by millions of Indigenous peoples, organized into hundreds of distinct nations and tribes. Each group spoke its own language — from Navajo and Cherokee to Lakota and Mohawk, among many others. These languages were the original means of communication for thousands of years and remain vital to many Indigenous communities today.
The arrival of European colonizers dramatically altered this linguistic landscape. Colonization led to the displacement, suppression, and near-eradication of many Native languages, yet they are foundational to the history of this land. This fact alone undercuts the idea that English is the “native” or “natural” language of America.
2. English: A Colonial Import
English was introduced to the Americas in the early 1600s with the establishment of British colonies such as Jamestown (1607) and Plymouth (1620). Unlike the Indigenous languages native to the continent, English was brought over from England — making it an immigrant language just like Spanish, French, Dutch, and other European tongues that accompanied settlers.
Different regions of what became the United States had varying dominant languages depending on their colonial rulers. For instance:
Spanish in Florida, the Southwest, and California
French in Louisiana and parts of the Midwest
Dutch in New York (formerly New Amsterdam)
This diversity underscores that English was not the first language of the land, but one of many that competed for influence.
3. A Multilingual Nation from the Start
America has always been a nation of immigrants speaking diverse languages. Enslaved Africans brought their own tongues; immigrants from Ireland, Germany, Italy, China, and countless other countries added their languages to the mix. Communities often maintained their native languages for generations, shaping local culture, cuisine, and traditions.
Even today, the United States remains highly multilingual. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 350 languages are spoken in American homes, with Spanish being the most common language other than English.
4. No Official National Language
Contrary to popular belief, the United States does not have an official national language at the federal level. Although English is the dominant language in government, business, and education, Congress has never enacted legislation declaring English as the official language.
This absence reflects the country’s immigrant foundation and the fact that many states and municipalities provide services in multiple languages to accommodate diverse populations.
5. Language and Power: Who Decides What Is “American”?
The demand to “speak English” is not merely about communication; it is often about power, identity, and belonging. Language policies and societal attitudes can exclude non-English speakers and marginalize communities — many of whom are native-born Americans, immigrants, or descendants of long-established families.
Using language as a gatekeeper can reinforce systemic inequalities and ignore the contributions of multilingual communities to American society.
Conclusion: Embracing America’s Linguistic Diversity
English, while undeniably influential, is a foreign language in the context of America’s deeper history. Indigenous peoples had their own rich linguistic traditions for millennia before European colonization introduced English and other European languages. The United States’ true identity is not monolithic but pluralistic — composed of countless cultures and languages that coexist and enrich the nation.
Rejecting the simplistic demand to “speak English” opens the door to recognizing and respecting America’s multilingual heritage. It challenges us to redefine what it means to be American — not by the language we speak, but by shared values, respect, and inclusion.
If we want a truly united America, honoring the voices of all communities, including those speaking Indigenous languages, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Arabic, and yes, even English, is essential.