Multilingualism in the United States Research Assignment

Linguistic
Name
Institution
Multilingualism in the United States
Multilingualism is an important aspect of countries due to its immense benefits in the global context. Multilingualism exhibit the ability to embrace diversity. Despite the existence of multilingualism in America, the society still depicts a monolinguist environment. One language which is English is utilized in the business and labor market while people speak their native languages in homes. I come from China and speak Chinese. English is not my first language. When I came to America, English language was the mode of communication apart from few people from my country of origin that I would relate to. Without the knowledge of the other language, you become dumb. You are able to hear sounds which you cannot make any sense out of them out of which you are expected to respond.
My encounter as a foreigner with little knowledge of English in an English-speaking state was not a sight to behold. Similar to many refugees and immigrants’ ordeal, I was not spared. America’s multilingualism state only occurs at homes and one has to work there way around while interacting with people. My biggest challenge was learning and communicating in the new language. This meant I had limited access to services such as transportation, education, employment, healthcare among others. I would not communicate with the English speakers due to the language barrier. I felt helpless, defenseless and hopeless. I would be likened to a robot. My interactions and socialization were limited for lack of self-expression.
It took me six months to learn basic writing, reading and speaking English skills. When I attained the basic skills, I was able to access services easily unlike before. Now, I would go to a restaurant and order, ask a question and make some friends. Prior to my English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, I had two friends, a Chinese in the preceding grade and a Spanish one with whom we attended the ESL classes. The worst of it is that my family was back in China. As my classmates went home and happily communicate in their languages, I was left struggling and mumbling words to help me around. I sought out for Chinese speakers in the neighborhood with whom I began to associate.
The exposure to constituent hearing and use of the English language enhanced my ability to communicate. Interacting with other non-English speakers was difficult than it was with the English speakers. It was like two blind people walking together, none can direct. At one time I met a French man who I guess wanted me to give him directions to the city square. I would not make anything out of what he was saying. We took almost thirty minutes trying out explanations using sign language to no avail. However, having an English speaker (Ryan) as a close friend made things easy. We would talk, joke, criticize, read together and do many activities as a duo. Hearing Ryan talk, and seeing his expressions enhanced my capability of mastering the English language. Unfortunately, most of the English spe...