ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, March 14, 1996 TAG: 9603140061
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: What's on your mind?
SOURCE: RAY REED
Q: We hear a proposal now and then that English should be the official language of the United States, just as it recently became the official language of Virginia. Supporters say history proves multiple languages will lead any nation to ruin and disintegration. What country has gone to ruin because of multiple languages?
C.S., Roanoke
A: It's hard to point out a country that was defeated or broke apart solely because its people spoke different languages.
Unity can be preserved in the presence of language diversity if there's an overwhelming commitment based on historic, economic, ethical and security issues.
German, French and Italian are spoken in Switzerland, but many people there are bilingual, and the Swiss may have more in common than in conflict.
Various ethnic groups have called Switzerland home for so long that the country has no dominant majority. Independence and neutrality are cherished values in Switzerland.
On the other hand, lack of a common tongue can divide a nation into groups that see each other as different peoples.
The separatist movement in the Canadian province of Quebec seeks to preserve French language and culture - to the exclusion of others, some partisans say. French is the province's official language.
Language frequently was a factor in the breakup of European empires, Austria-Hungary in particular, as people from differing backgrounds who had been forced together by the fortunes of war eventually split.
That brings us to Virginia in 1996.
The bill passed this year wasn't totally new. English has been Virginia's official language since 1981 under Title 22.1-212 of the State Code.
Virginia was the first state to make English its official language, and 21 others have followed suit.
This year's amendment says state agencies cannot be required to provide written materials in any other language. If they choose, agencies are allowed to publish materials in languages other than English.
The Department of Motor Vehicles already gives drivers license tests in Spanish.
Virginia schools will continue to teach foreign languages and English as a second language.
Dan Richardson, who teaches European history at Roanoke College, helped provide some perspective on the role of languages.
2-for-1 worth $2,600
Q: How much pension will Elizabeth Bowles receive under the 2-for-1 pension deal Roanoke City Council voted in for itself several years ago? How will this sum compare to that of an average employee who worked for the city every day for 20 years?
T.J., Roanoke and E.D., Vinton
A: Council members earn $13,000 a year. Bowles, who will leave council this summer after 20 years, stands to receive $7,800 per year under the pension formula. Without the 2-for-1, she would have qualified for $5,200.
An employee who works for the city 20 years and retires at a salary averaging $30,000 the final three years would be eligible for $12,000 yearly.
Have a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Or, e-mail RoatimesInfi.Net. Maybe we can find the answer.
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