THE FCC PERMITS LANGUAGES BESIDES ENGLISH?

[amaff]

56 minutes ago, Alec said:

Really ??   I did not infer that "Code Talker" is mentioned anywhere in the FCC rules.  I'm merely using that as an example to point out that "Plain Language" is an ambiguous term, not all foreign languages are commonly understood, and that perhaps the FCC's definition is not as clear or definitive as it should be!

By that logic, to someone who's a non English speaker using a GMRS radio, anyone speaking English is talking in code.
I guess none of us get to use our radios now...

[SteveShannon]

2 hours ago, Alec said:

Really ??   I did not infer that "Code Talker" is mentioned anywhere in the FCC rules.  I'm merely using that as an example to point out that "Plain Language" is an ambiguous term, not all foreign languages are commonly understood, and that perhaps the FCC's definition is not as clear or definitive as it should be!

This really isn’t ambiguous:

Plain language voice communications. Voice communications without codes or coded messages intended to provide a hidden meaning. Foreign languages and commonly known radio operating words and phrases, such as “ten four” and “roger,” not intended to provide a hidden meaning, are not considered codes or coded messages.

[ADVBikerRadioGirl]

On 4/16/2025 at 6:10 AM, Lscott said:

Maybe not any more.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/designating-english-as-the-official-language-of-the-united-states/

As a Native American, I will tell Dumb Trump that he can kiss my rear end. Nothing he says will stop me from using my native language. That would be the day. 
 

Plus, one must read before one posts, because that executive order has a loop hole designed right in it. It states:

“nothing in this order, however, requires or directs any change in the services provided by any agency.  Agency heads should make decisions as they deem necessary to fulfill their respective agencies’ mission and efficiently provide Government services to the American people.  Agency heads are not required to amend, remove, or otherwise stop production of documents, products, or other services prepared or offered in languages other than English.”  

 

[LeoG]

If they want to they can go to English only and now there is an EO to back it up.

[WRTC928]

My understanding of "official language" is that it will be required on all government documents, web sites, etc. and official documents can't be required to be provided in other languages. As far as I can tell, it won't prohibit government sites from providing translations in other languages as long as an English version is provided. Which, TBH, seems pretty reasonable to me. Since TV stations, radio stations, etc. aren't usually government-run, they'll be unaffected. 

Since GMRS and amateur radio are mostly private endeavors, I can't see the EO affecting our radio usage. Nobody owns the GMRS channels, and short of a change to FCC regulations, nobody can dictate to me that I can't use whatever language I like. A repeater is a bit different. Since it's privately owned, I support the owner's right to decide what language users must speak. I'm not sure how you'd enforce that, but in theory I support it.

[WRUE951]

On 5/22/2025 at 9:29 PM, ADVBikerRadioGirl said:

As a Native American, I will tell Dumb Trump that he can kiss my rear end. Nothing he says will stop me from using my native language. That would be the day. 
 

Plus, one must read before one posts, because that executive order has a loop hole designed right in it. It states:

“nothing in this order, however, requires or directs any change in the services provided by any agency.  Agency heads should make decisions as they deem necessary to fulfill their respective agencies’ mission and efficiently provide Government services to the American people.  Agency heads are not required to amend, remove, or otherwise stop production of documents, products, or other services prepared or offered in languages other than English.”  

 

there is a reason, can you imagine going to an ATM machine and spending an hour finding your language to proceed     This is no joke,,  the other day i was standing in line at an ATM an older guy in front of me using the machine starts cursing out loud.  I said ' what are thy out cash'   he says "F**K no, this G*D D*mn machine, I can't read spanish bla bla bla..  . He strugles to get his card out, he finally does, he storms inside the bank...  OK, my turn, first screen says select 'yoour language'..  I guess he selected the wrongh one