Please read this essay at your natural speed.
Topic: More and more countries are implementing policies that force newcomers to acquire at least a basic working knowledge of the local language. Some people think this will help ease these immigrants’ assimilation into society, while others believe this is an attack on people’s cultures and freedoms. Discuss both arguments and state which you agree with.
Model essay:
Mass migration has changed the global makeup, sometimes requiring entire societies to adapt to new realities. In many nations, language is seen as the key to new immigrants’ social integration, and governments want new residents to adopt the local language quickly. While some view this as necessary, others feel it is an attack on the new populations’ identity and freedoms. While both sides present legitimate points, I believe that newcomers should learn their hosts’ language to better their own lives.
To assimilate into a new environment people must engage those around them and take part in the daily life of the place. This can hardly be done if a person’s means of communication is limited, especially in terms of language. If, for instance, a person wants to buy food, take a bus, or meet locals, he must be able to speak to others. Furthermore, if he wants to maintain a sustainable lifestyle, though not at taxpayers’ expense, he needs to secure employment, something he cannot do without the ability to communicate with colleagues and clients. A government that insists on language acquisition, therefore, is doing so to ease a new immigrant’s transition to his new home and to make sure he is a valuable member of society.
On the other hand, language learning should not be forced and lead to a loss of one’s cultural identity or freedom. Governments must allow newcomers to continue their traditions and customs while helping them adopt new ones. Immigrants, in turn, must realize that with their new language they will, in the long run, gain more freedom and a stronger identity. Thus, if an Indian man in Canada wears a turban, he can explain to his Canadian peers that it is a part of his faith. This will enlighten others while strengthening his sense of identity as a Sikh. Lacking this, he will always remain the other and raise suspicions, especially if he refuses to learn the language. And social harmony, after all, is a government’s main aim.
To conclude, learning the language of one’s new home has many benefits. Governments should definitely encourage language acquisition, but in a way that does not interfere with one’s sense of identity.
