IIP Publications

Why Do Many Americans Speak Only English?—You Asked Series

Why Do Many Americans Speak Only English?—You Asked Series

Most Americans don’t have strong incentives to learn a foreign language. Because U.S. identity is not rooted in a single ethnicity or race, some Americans believe national unity requires a national language and see English as a unifying bond. Also, millions of Americans live in states that do not border any non-English-speaking countries or populations. The fact that English is predominantly used in international trade, in many professions and on the Internet further lessens Americans’ incentive to learn other languages.

(Pamphlet, 2 pgs.)

PDF - web
中文 (549 KB)
English (322 KB)
Arts and Culture

Suggested for you

Outline of the U.S. Government—Outline Series

Outline of the U.S. Government—Outline Series

Format: Pamphlet
What makes the U.S. government uniquely American? Learn about the separation of powers and the institutions and practices that constitute U.S. democracy. The structure of the U.S. government is defined by the Constitution, but the ways in which institutions and officials meet the requirements of the Constitution are open to interpretation.
Musical Ambassadors: America Exports Jazz

Musical Ambassadors: America Exports Jazz

Format: Pamphlet
Beginning in the 1950s, the U.S. Department of State sent dozens of America’s greatest jazz musicians to tour the globe becoming known as "the Jazz Ambassadors.” Recognizing the cross-cultural appeal of jazz, American Jazz Ambassadors were able to transcend national boundaries, build new cultural bridges, and tell a larger story about freedom in America.
The Real Ambassadors_America Exports Jazz_Posters

The Real Ambassadors_America Exports Jazz_Posters

Format: Pamphlet
From the 1950s to the 1970s, jazz took the world by storm in response to popular jazz broadcasts such as Willis Conover’s Voice of America radio show, Music USA. The U.S. Department of State sent America’s greatest jazz musicians—“The Jazz Ambassadors—touring worldwide. These remarkable American jazz musicians were enthusiastically welcomed from Africa to the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Fourth of July Poster_2017 edition_English

Fourth of July Poster_2017 edition_English

Format: Pamphlet
The U.S. marks its Independence Day on July 4, the day in 1776 when founding fathers approved the Declaration of Independence. Download your choice of PDF files of this free poster today!
Independence Day

Independence Day

Format: Pamphlet
Americans celebrate the 1776 Declaration of Independence with parades, speeches, concerts and fireworks.