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Evan Malachosky Current Event Analysis Mr. Wimmer 1/24/12  __ American Diversity: How Americans Shaped Language __ __ Summary: __ As America emerged as an independent nation, the opportunity of freedom and riches came as an incentive for millions to immigrate. As immigrants stormed the boats to inhabit the newly independent nation, the United States received a lingual makeover. The influx of foreign languages and the need to know English created dialects in every region of America. The American language we know today has been morphed, revolutionized, adapted, and even localized across the vast lands of America. The most common are the New York dialect, and the Southern dialects as well. The transformation of America’s primary language has also influenced American culture as well. __ Relevance: __ The American history was greatly influenced by language, immigration, and diversity and is still playing a major role in today’s world too. As we discuss immigration into the United States, the multitudes of nations that have representation in the United States also have a representation in our language. The “Londonesque” influence on New York has been relevant for hundreds of years (McWhorter). The extensive study of America’s economy also exposed the mistreatment of many employees in big businesses. Along with ruthless business practice, there were employees who were illegal and legal immigrants. The language barrier slowly collapsed but not without the assistance from the already established dialects. __ Connection: __ In today’s discussion, especially the end of class, we read the stories of immigrants from around the world. The discussion of immigrants brings along their cultures. The various languages and culture was the mixer to the cocktail of American Diversity. The mixture became different across the United States and has remained this way since then. The millions of cultures continuously affect today’s culture, which we are discussing later in the semester. Without the immigration in the past, the American Diversity we have come to accept and enjoy would never have been possible. __ Questions: __ 1. Could you imagine a world today where there are no other cultural influences? 2. Do you believe that Americans realize how diverse our nation is? 3. What nation do you believe has influenced our nation the most? Explain why. 4. Imagine if England was not our Motherland, what would be the most different? 5. What nation do you think would influence America in a more positive way? 6. Out of the languages you may know, which do you believe is most like English? __ Works Cited __ McWhorter, John. "How Americans Have Reshaped Language." //Speaking American – A// // History of English in the United States //. New York Times, 20 Jan. 2012. Web. 23 Jan. 2012.