Global Power or Babel Tower?—Evaluating America Against Its Linguistic Backdrop

ABSTRACT

This article starts with the hypothesis that the US enjoys linguistic uniformity which in turn helps the nation grow in unity and strength. The argument has three phases in which it raises questions such as: if there is such uniformity in America at all, how it became possible, and whether it can be a source of strength. It substantially draws on the select works on American history written by Daniel J. Boorstin alongside some other works by different authors. A careful analysis of the material reveals that America does have linguistic uniformity and the phenomenon is to be construed as the country’s strength.

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