Introduction
On December 21, 2025, The Harvard Crimson published an article reporting that the Harvard Salient’s board of directors suspended the conservative student magazine in October 2025 due to racist and anti-Semitic rhetoric. In addition, a Harvard Salient author claimed, “Germany belongs to the Germans, France to the French, Britain to the British, America to the Americans.” When confronted with evidence that this statement echoed Adolf Hitler’s 1939 speech, the author defended himself by citing ignorance. This incident showcases the use of patriotism as a veneer for alt-right nationalism, recalling Samuel Johnson’s 1775 assertion that “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” While this does not necessarily label the young writer as a scoundrel, the situation raises important questions about who defines national identity and underscores the need to differentiate nationalism from far-right or white nationalist movements.
Defining National Identity
The central question remains: Who determines who is considered German, French, British, or American? A nation can maintain its identity while welcoming immigrants who may differ from previous generations. The real challenge lies in balancing cultural evolution with the preservation of a nation’s essence, especially as its power or influence shifts over time.
The Evolution of Language and Its Role in Culture
For example, France in 2026 is vastly different from France in 1714. In the past, French was the language of diplomacy and commerce worldwide, facilitating international communication. Today, English has taken on this role, with 1.52 billion speakers globally. Interestingly, 75% of English speakers are non-native, yet English serves as a “lingua franca”—a term rooted in the time when French was the dominant language of diplomacy, business, and science. While French remains the preferred language for some functions at the United Nations, English is currently the primary language of global commerce.
Mandarin Chinese is the world’s second-most spoken language, with 941 million speakers, 79% of whom are native speakers. Strategic efforts by Russia and China to learn each other’s languages reflect aspirations to challenge English as the main language of commerce. Ultimately, language has the power to unite people and cultures.
Language as a Requirement for Citizenship
The significance of language in shaping culture became clear when a US couple, whom I have known for decades, moved to Spain and sought Spanish citizenship. During my visit, our plans were affected by one partner’s language test—a requirement for citizenship. Many countries require varying levels of language proficiency for naturalization. Some demand only basic proficiency, while others expect applicants to navigate daily life independently. Nations such as France, Denmark, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Ecuador, and Paraguay require language tests. Yet, given the existence of 195 countries and over 7,000 languages worldwide, the number of countries with such requirements is relatively small.
Language, Culture, and Tradition
While a shared language can unite a population, culture and tradition provide the underlying structure. Canada, for instance, has two official languages: English and French. Switzerland recognizes four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
The United States presents an interesting case. Although passing an English test is mandatory for naturalization between the ages of 18 and 65, the country prides itself on its immigrant heritage. Over the past 20 to 40 years, the US has become more accommodating, with government agencies and major corporations offering services in English and Spanish—and, in some regions, in several other languages. In Cook County, Illinois, for example, ballots and bilingual election judges provide information in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Gujarati, Urdu, and Arabic to comply with the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1992.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 350 languages are spoken as primary languages by residents and citizens in the United States. English, as the language of commerce, has traditionally helped new immigrants acculturate. The saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” encourages respect and adaptation to local customs, which is particularly relevant when traveling or integrating into a new society.
Mutual Respect and Acculturation
Respecting local language and customs is a two-way street: travelers should learn and observe the norms of the countries they visit, just as foreign visitors should do when coming to your country. For example, Christiane Amanpour of CNN wore a hijab in Iran but declined to do so while interviewing the Iranian President in New York, highlighting the importance of mutual respect for cultural norms.
Traditionally, immigrants have learned the official language of their new country. Metaphorically, language serves as the “dressing” that turns a bowl of vegetables into a salad. In the United States, the concept of the “melting pot” has never meant abandoning one’s heritage; rather, immigrants are encouraged to acculturate. Each individual controls their own acculturation, while assimilation depends on societal perceptions.
Citizenship and Inclusion
So, who are Germans, French, British, or Americans? Ultimately, anyone who is a citizen and has acculturated—through language and participation in society—belongs to their respective nation. Inclusion requires adapting to local norms (“when in Rome, do as the Romans do”) while nations evolve by welcoming new immigrants, much like updating the traditional salad with new flavors while keeping its essence intact.
Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash
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