The Role of English and Spanish in the United States

The Spanish-speaking population of the United States is made up of more than 40 million speakers, and it is also one of the fastest growing groups. However, Hispanics in the United States have faced much discrimination over time. Numerous news reports highlight instances in which they have been told either to learn English or go back to their countries of origin. This discrimination is not only directed toward immigrants but also toward American citizens of Hispanic descent. The purpose of this study is to see what young adults think about the role of English and Spanish in the United States. Discovering people's views about the role of these languages in our society is particularly important in light of current debates over immigration.