The Chinese Language Division Podcast

The Chinese Language Division Podcast


Episode 21 - English is the official language of the United States, now what?

May 27, 2025

In this insightful episode, Jessie talks with nationally recognized language policy expert Dr. Bill Rivers to unpack the implications of Executive Order 14224, which declared English the official language of the United States. Dr. Rivers offers historical, legal, and policy context for the order, explains what it does—and doesn’t—do, and addresses concerns about its impact on language access rights and jobs in the T&I profession. From civil rights protections to health care and education mandates, this conversation clarifies the current state of language services and advocacy in the U.S. Whether you’re a translator, interpreter, language educator, or policy watcher, this is a must-listen episode filled with clarity, wisdom, and practical takeaways.


在这一期富有洞察力的播客中,Jessie 与全美知名语言政策专家 Bill Rivers 博士展开对话,深入解析第14224号行政命令的影响——该命令宣布英语为美国的官方语言。Rivers 博士从历史、法律和政策多个维度,解释了该命令的实质内容与局限,并回应了语言服务行业对于语言服务权利和就业前景所产生的疑虑。从民权保护到医疗与教育的法律义务,这场对话澄清了当前美国语言服务与倡导工作的真实状况。无论你是译员、口译员、语言教育者,还是政策观察者,这都是一集不容错过的播客内容——为你带来清晰的视角、专业的见解和切实可行的信息。