Editing The English Language (section)

==== Learning the Language ====
In general, the Rebbe opposed exceptional investment in learning the English language at the expense of investment in other areas, especially at the expense of Torah study.

Already in 5710 (1950), when a young man wanted to set aside time for learning the language in order to be more successful in spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus, the Rebbe answered him: "To spend much time now improving English - it is not worthwhile for him. And according to the statement of my father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe, may I be an atonement for his resting place: 'How much is the measure that one should bring the trough (Torah and mitzvot) to the horse. The time has already come for the horse to go to the trough.'"

On another occasion, the Rebbe connected the rejection of learning English with faith and trust in Moshiach's imminent arrival, and rejected learning English during hours after the yeshiva learning schedule saying: "Why do you need English? Moshiach is coming soon!"

On the other hand, the Rebbe did not accept excuses from young married men who claimed they could not go on shlichus because they didn't have a good enough command of English. For example, it is recorded in Rabbi Mordechai Kalmanson's journal from Nissan 5712 (1952), that the Rebbe responded to one young man who claimed this: "Regarding worldly matters you manage with the country's language, and suddenly this becomes a problem?" On another occasion, the Rebbe even encouraged individuals to invest in learning the language and know it thoroughly as a helpful means for spreading Chassidus.

When the Ministry of Education tried to force Chabad educational institutions in Israel to include English language studies as part of the curriculum, the Rebbe instructed activists to oppose this with all their might.

In a farbrengen on Shabbat Parshat Vayeshev 5748 (1987), an unusual reference was noted when the Rebbe expressed his dissatisfaction that the everyday language spoken between Chassidim was English and not Yiddish: "When 'prominent Chabadniks' gather to speak together, etc., I was surprised to hear that the language of conversation is - English!... This matter requires correction - as the greatness of 'they did not change their language' is well known..."

In that same talk, the Rebbe said that when going out on mivtzoim one should speak English with those being brought close, and the reason he himself gives the sichos in Yiddish is for several other reasons.