CAN THE Star Spangled Banner BE SING in SPANISH?

Question

Many Americans don't understand English. Why not singing the Star Spangled Banner in Spanish?

Answer 1

"A Spanish-language recording of the "Star-Spangled Banner" called "Nuestro Himno" was released on 2006-04-28, a few days before nationwide amnesty demonstrations on May 1. This recording was created as a show of support for all illegal immigrants in the United States in response to a proposed crackdown on illegal immigration."

"The first verse of "Nuestro Himno" ("Our Anthem") is very similar to a 1919 Spanish version by Francis Haffkine Snow called "La Bandera de Estrellas" ("The Flag of Stars"). The earlier translation was commissioned by the then-U.S. Bureau of Education, which was part of the Department of the Interior. This translation is on the United States Department of State's website. A reproduction of the original sheet music is on the Library of Congress website."

""Nuestro Himno" drew a critical response from President George W. Bush, who said that the national anthem should be sung in English. Despite this, the State Department had Spanish versions of the anthem posted online."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Spangl...

"Amanece:­ ¿lo véis a la luz de la aurora

Lo que tanto aclamamos la noche al caer?

Sus estrellas, sus franjas flotaban ayer,

En el fiero combate en señal de victoria.

Fulgor de lucha, al paso de la libertad,

Por la noche decían: «¡Se va defendiendo!»

¡Oh, decid! ¿Despliega aún su hermosura estrellada

Sobre tierra de libres la bandera sagrada?"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuestro_Him...

Amanece: ¿no veis, a la luz de la aurora,

Lo que tanto aclamamos la noche al caer?

Sus estrellas, sus barras flotaban ayer

En el fiero combate en señal de victoria,

Fulgor de cohetes, de bombas estruendo,

Por la noche decían: "!Se va defendiendo!"

Coro:

!Oh, decid! ¿Despliega aún su hermosura estrellada,

Sobre tierra de libres, la bandera sagrada?

"Himno nacional - La Bandera de Estrellas" : http://usinfo.state.gov/esp/home/topics/...

Answer 2

While I have no problem with translations of the Star Spangled Banner into other languages, I believe it should always be sung in English.

This is not a question of English-only America, but rather a piece of tradition and history that has existed in our country for many years.  The tune and melody of the national anthem are traditions that can and should not be changed.

Some may try to argue that for learners of English, the words are difficult to understand.  Guess what?  I guarantee that there are English-speaking Americans that don't even understand some of the words.

As for your statement "many Americans don't understand English," I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but the majority of Americans speak American English.  Because of this, it is only logical that English be the lingua franca of the United States.  Official or not, the importance of the English language in the United States is undeniable.

Personally, I have nothing against anyone speaking foreign languages.  I love foreign languages.  But I believe that in official contexts, English reigns in the United States.  Unfortunately, with the high level of technology and readily-available translations, new immigrants to the United States are not exposed to the same level of immersion that immigrants of the past were.  While everyone should remember their origins and celebrate their culture through things like language, it should also be kept in mind that English is a uniting, common language in the United States.

Answer 3

"many Americans don't understand English"

What are you talking about?  Almost all Americans know English

It would not be improper to sing it in spanish if the audience primarily knows spanish, but how often does that happen?

Answer 4

Though there is no official national language the majority speaks english. It would be stupid to sing it in a language that no one understands.

Answer 5

English is the primary language of Americans.

So i don't know what you're trying to say there..

Answer 6

The Star Spangled Banner was written in English and as such is sung in English. As you will find in most countries the national anthem is sung in the language of the majority in that country - for instance the national anthem the United Kingdom is God Save The Queen but the national anthem of Wales is in welsh - not God Save The Queen translated.

Answer 7

Why not learn English if they're American?

Answer 8

Yes it can, here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4gP_pSOC...

Doesn't sound quite the same though.

Answer 9

Why should it be in spanish? It's the national anthem, the official language is english... so, be american, speak english!