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Ending E.O. 13166,
the "Multilingual Mandate"
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Language Laws of New Mexico
New Mexico has a non-binding "English Plus" resolution, officially endorsing
multilingualism, passed by the legislature (See below).
New Mexico does not allow referenda or voter initiatives. 36.5 percent
of this state's residents speak a language other than English as their
primary language in the home. The most common of these languages are Spanish,
Navajo, Keres, and Zuni. This state has the nation's highest proportion
of speakers of Spanish, Navajo and Zuni.
New Mexico's Official Language Law
WHEREAS the people of New Mexico promote the spirit of diversity-with-harmony
represented by the various cultures that make up the fabric of our state
and American society; and
WHEREAS the people of New Mexico acknowledge that "English Plus"
best serves the national interest since it promotes the concept that all
members of our society have full access to opportunities to effectively
learn English plus develop proficiency in a second or multiple languages;
and
WHEREAS the people of New Mexico recognize that the position of English
in the United States needs no official legislation to support it; and
WHEREAS the people of New Mexico recognize that for survival in the twenty-first
century our country needs both the preservation of the cultures and languages
among us and the fostering of proficiency in other languages on the part
of its citizens;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED ... that the First Session of the Thirty-Ninth
Legislature of the State of New Mexico hereby reaffirms its advocacy of
the teaching of other languages in the United States and its belief that
the position of English is not threatened. Proficiency on the part of
our citizens in more than one language is to the economic and cultural
benefit of our state and the nation, whether that proficiency derives
from second language study by English speakers or from home language maintenance
plus English acquisition by speakers of other languages. Proficiency in
English plus other languages should be encouraged throughout the State.
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