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customers from all regions.

Most people don't know it, but Belize, a small country in Latin America, tucked away between Mexico and Guatemala on the Yucatan Peninsula has English as their Official language of their country.

Most people also do not not know that the United States of America does not have an official language at all. Last year, congress tried to pass meaningless legislation to make it the preferred language. But just as we have a national bird, tree, insect, etc. we do not have a national language.

It doesn't matter what language anyone speaks, knowing English helps open many doors around the world. If you've watched the Amazing race, you can see that the few that speak English are the ones that get all the business. Furthermore, within our own country, isolation by those who speak languages other than English only serves to further isolate them.

It's frustrating going into a Subway or McDonald's and no one speaks English. Yes, here in the USA. Being a teacher, I have seen how kids who speak Spanish, gather in one area during breaks and speak Spanish and do not interact with other students. This does not immerse them into the culture, or the language and only serves to further isolate them.

Many people know more than 2 languages. I happen to know some German, Spanish, Mandarin, American Sign Language, and English. In over 20 years of traveling around the world, the only one that has come in handy other than English was once at a Chinese hospital, a Chinese nurse spoke German, but not English and we were able to communicate, all the while she stated she wished she had learned English instead of German.

This writer is in no shape, form, or fashion, trying to take anyone's culture or heritage from anyone. I am however trying to encourage everyone to understand the importance of the language of the world. The language of money, the language of communication that is more accepted than any other around the world. Cherish whatever languages you may speak, however know that English is an essential language and take every effort to immerse yourself in speaking, practicing, and understanding the language.

I spoke with a man from Vietnam in a small grocery store one day and asked him where he was from. He responded and I asked where he learned English. He said from the soldiers many years ago. He said, if he had not learned English he would have never been able to come to the USA and never been able to open his own store, no matter how many Vietnamese people may be in the city.

No matter where you're from, what language you grew up speaking, if you're in America say "I SPEAK ENGLISH" and say it loudly and proudly.

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