Beer And Conversation With Pigweed And Crowhill

The boys drink and review Old Fezziwig Ale from Sam Adams, then ask why English isn't the official language of the United States. Most countries have an official language. About 20 percent don't. What's the reason for the difference? Generally speaking, a country needs a common culture, and a common culture usually requires a common language. Language is the deepest carrier of culture -- via idioms, jokes, and so on. The common language frames the way people interpret reality. Do we want to have a common culture in our country or not? What happens when you don't have a common language? It obviously works sometimes. Switzerland seems to do fine with multiple languages. But in other cases, the lack of a common language can breed suspicion and distrust. What is the barrier to declaring English the official language?