On July 4, 1776, Congress met to design a seal for the United States of America. The seal includes the phrase "E Pluribus Unum," a Latin phrase meaning "out of many, one."

Our forefathers' intent was to create a single nation from many Colonies consisting of peoples of various races, ethnicities and ancestries. Their vision was to form a new country with a unique identity — these United States of America. Years later, in the blockbuster movie of 1939, "The Wizard of Oz," the wizard, hailing from Kansas, refers to the United States as "the land of 'E Pluribus Unum.' "

One long balloon ride to Gwinnett County, 2008, and the wizard would discover that the storefronts have changed: Lavanderia? Supermercado? Carniceria? Dorothy, you're not in Kansas anymore.

I arrived early for a holiday event at my daughter's Gwinnett elementary school. We parents waited patiently outside the cafeteria doors for the event to begin, until an administrator appeared and made an announcement in Spanish. The other parents, obviously Spanish speakers, left the bench and followed the woman to another cafeteria entrance. Sitting alone on the bench, I came to realize that I had become a stranger in a strange land.

My grandfather, William J. Schmitt, arrived at the 1904 World's Fair, age 19, in St. Louis, after which he settled in Rochester, N.Y. He opened a profitable sheet metal and roofing company, which was in business for more than 80 years. In his pursuit of the so-called "American dream," Grandfather purchased a huge, five-pound Oxford English Dictionary. He wasn't interested in speaking German or revisiting Germany — he was interested in becoming an American, which, to him, necessitated learning English.

The majority of immigrants are hardworking, family-oriented folk who want a better life for their children. Who can blame them for seeking life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? It does seem, though, that many of today's Latino immigrants are just not motivated to learn the English language.

And why should they? Businesses, banks, hospitals, schools and courts are aiding and abetting this culture shift by hiring bilingual employees to serve Spanish-speaking customers, and printing advertisements, billboards and pamphlets in Spanish.

True, Americans should make a concerted effort to become bilingual. In today's global economy, it only makes sense to expand our horizons by learning a second language, studying geography and learning the languages and cultures of other peoples. However, embracing diversity at the expense — literally and figuratively — of changing our language — our currency of communication — is a fundamental shift in what it means to be American.

In a 2006 television address to the nation outlining immigration reform initiatives, President Bush said: "Americans are bound to shared ideals, an appreciation of our history and ... an ability to speak and write the English language. English is the key to unlocking the opportunity of America."

The Senate went on in 2007 to pass an English language amendment that declares English as the "national language" of the United States. The amendment requires immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship to know the English language and a modicum of U.S. history, as well as the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.

In the rich tapestry that is American culture, woven from the vibrant hues of many nations, there needs to run the unifying thread of a common language.

Embrace cultural diversity, with its attendant charms, richness and variety, yes. Learn a second language? Buena idea. But, newcomers, please: If you want to become an American, make an effort to learn the English language. In doing so we will strengthen our ties, avoid second-class citizenry and achieve what the founding fathers had in mind that July Fourth in 1776: E Pluribus Unum — from many, one.

— Ann M. Dabrowski of Lilburn is an academic adviser and English instructor at Shorter College.