Ok everyone, here's the deal. I am interested in trying to change something in the United States Education Department and that is this:
I think it would be extremely helpful and beneficial for students in the US to start learning a foreign language in the 1st or 2nd grade, and have them stick with that language all throughout high school.
My reason behind this is not just a personal one. If you look at almost any other country, they usually know more than just their native language, but if you look at the US, it's just English (except, of cource, for immigrants).
Not only would this expand cultural knowledge within the United States, but it would also (hopefully) let the future generations of the US be more international friendly and be more interested in learning about other cultures. And not to mention, knowing more than 1 language is going to help one's society, no matter where you live.
They say that the earlier you start learning a foreign language, the better, which is why Statistics as well as I think, the first or second grade would be a good time to start.
So I was wondering what everyone's opinions / ideas on this are?
I have a few thoughts on how to go about doing this, but as for right now, this is mainly just a starting point. I am interested as to what people think in regards to this subject, as well as what the guidelines for something like this should be.
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First-graders barely know the rules of English. Adding a foreign language to the list will only confuse them. They can only become bilingual if their teachers constantly speak to them in another language--which means every lesson is taught in another language of your choice--while their parents continue to speak to them in English. That will also mean one more thing: only those fluent in another language should be allowed to teach.
yes, but studies have shown that younger children learn languages a lot easier than older children. Also, Studies have shown that after the age of 11, you can never become truly fluent in another language. You will know enough to get around, and live there if you really wanted to, but you will never be fluent.
Also, studies have shown that if you are learning a second language, you learn your own language better because you are more focused on the rules of language, and how they work.
How is that relevant to my comment? Yes, young children learn languages easier--we agree on that--but they learn by absorption, not by the rules. If you want to teach them a new language, then you'll have to put them in an environment where only another language is spoken. Since a period a day can't possibly be enough, this will be a problem.
While absorbtion is a way to learn the language, and probably the easiest, it's not the only thing that they learn the language by. In order to properly speak a language, one must first understand the basic rules of the language. Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation, etc... By learning a second language, or at least trying to learn a second language, you begin to notice things about your native language that you may or may not have noticed before. I can tell you that my grammar skills have drastically improved sense I started learning German.
I am 20 years old and have been learning German for 3 years now, I can visibly see the changes in my English skills, and I can only attribute these changes to the time I have spent learning German.
I suspect that while majoring in German in college, my English will gradually become better, knowing that it is not real great as it sits now.
And you wouldn't have to put them in the environment where just that language is spoken, granted it helps quite a bit, but it is not crucial (sp?)
Ok really were u just trying to make a post?
What studies have you read??
I have PLENTY of friends and teachers that were not fluent until high school..
Also, I took 5 years of french and know the grammer of that language better than the english language (and still got an honors degree). But by no means AT ALL am I fluent in French!!!
I want to see these studies!!
People in high school barely know the rules of English. So what? Adding a foreign language to one's brain allows for better understanding of language in general. The more you learn the better you are at learning. (Unless you're a 10-year-old driving a car, of course.)
I can say that as a High School student who, so far, has taken 3 years of Spanish that I know the English language much better after taking these classes. I hadn't even been introduced to all the types of grammar that I learned in Spanish. Without it, I would've been even worse off as a writer than I am now.
- Sophia
There are special programs that actually offer foreign language courses to preschoolers, but it's usually the more affluent children that receive this benefit because their parents can afford it. It'd be great if foreign language classes could be offered widespread in elementary schools. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think other developed countries have implemented foreign language curriculum in their grade schools already; Japan comes to mind, and I know they're fairly far ahead of the U.S. in terms of education. A lot of people could benefit from this, and I think it'd also be a good investment on the government's part.
Most Japanese never became fluent in English in spite early exposure. The Japanese curriculum is famous for teaching Engrish, not English. Japanese who pride their English in Japan end up in ESL classes here.
ok so honestly you need to know what u are talking about...
So they may not be able to pronounce a few sounds the same...
BUT Japanese students learn English... are are ensured a much better education than Americans..
This is a Topic I will go into MUCH debate about!!
I think it is an wonderful. We do take foreign languages in our high schools, but it does not stick with us. Because most people are not interested, and are only willing to do it for a grade. Having children learn foreign languages when they are younger would expose them to the different cultures in the world. It may also help stop racism, if we learn about different cultures, instead of believing the stereotype that is associated with them. However, we have to make sure that it is simple stuff to begin with, and does not put too much pressure on the children.
To dolittle:
look at the international students that are coming to this country. Most of them are better in English than those that are born and raised here. You are right some of them do end up in ESL, because there is a difference between American english and British english. The rest of the world learn British english, as opposed to American english. (yes there is a difference between the two types of english). I was born and raised in Bangladesh. From kindergarden(sp?) I was taught both English and my native language. Why is it that way? In most of the third world countries education is not the strongest feature. They prepare kids to go into english speaking countries to continue their higher level education, and prosper in life. Learning about other cultures opens your mind, and you are able to see that not everybody is like you, and not everybody has the same values and restrictions. It is a real helpful process. I am a product of that system, and I could definitely say that I write and comprehend better than a lot of people in my school. So, the system is successful.
I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
I completely agree with you.. I have a friend who lives in greece and can speak 4 languages. at her school english was required every year. Saying that a new language is to difficult for a first grader just shows the ignorance many americans have about eduacation. If other countries are capable to do this why not us? Americans are just lazy
I agree with this entirely, everything about this comment, is wonderful.
I too have international friends, mostly in Germany, but I do have others in different countries.
One of my friends in germany is Fluent in German, Spanish, English, French, and is working on Russian and Latin.
Where as another friend of mine in Germany is fluent in just German, English, and French.
I also understand something that quite frankly I am surprised hasn;t been brought up here yet, and that is this:
Other countries know more langages because they are closer to other countries. Look at Europe, everyone is just a few hours away from everyone else, but the languages vary, thus they learn new languages. Most Americans look at it this way, anywhere they drive, they're just going to hear English, so why bother learning another language? This is just another example of American Ignorance.
If people felt inclined to learn other languages, don't you think our international relations would become stronger and less people in the world would hate us? I don't think this is a direct correlation, but if you learn languages, ultimately, we learn some more about their cultures, which, as stated above, would hopefully inscrease international relations.
I think it has no correlation with the proximity of the other countries...
Countries outside america have chosen to REALLY teach their children. They are being taught english.. how close is america (the same distance we are from them).
The language We are teaching in our American schools really is not the bottom line... It comes down to the education in general.
There is NO reason for kids going to college and taking remedial math classes just to make them eligible..
THESE SKILLS SHOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED WAY BEFORE COLLEGE!!!
The government is trying to impose more memorization upon our students with less learning....
WHO HAS REALLY LEANED ANYTHING FROM HIGH SCHOOL??
I agree completely. I see no reason for students that are starting college to be talking remedial (sp?) classes. They are going to college for christ's sake.
While the UNited States may have some of the best Universities in the world, the education prior has got to be one of the lowest.
I like the way that the German School System is set up. It is divided into 4 different schools. The first one (being the lowest) is for students that need help learning; the mentally challenged, etc..
The second is just for the 'not-so-bright' people. Basically what you see most kids in the US doing in high school. Sitting around doing nothing, accomplishing nothing, and really not caring.
The third is for the average students. This is a comendable school level because while these students may not be the brightest cryon in the box, they are still trying their very best, and they're still learning. These students are generally more intellegent/mature/responsible than the students in the school levels below it.
The fourth is for the smart kids. These are the one's that you see in American high schools getting all A's, in the gifted programs, getting awards, etc...
I like this setup because then people aren't held back if some dumbass in the backrow is mouthing off to the teacher or sleeping and causing problems. He's be placed in the education level where he belongs (most likely number 2).
Students are placed with other students like themselves (education wise). This offers more potential for learning, working together, and so-on.
exactly...... NO F***N way can age be a factor..... THE younger the better..
LET'S get down to the point...
THE USA NEEDS TO GET A REAL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM!!!!
one can never learn enough. All people in the united states, not just children, should learn a second language. it is highly imperitive to imbue our children with every tool we can to help them prosper. knowing multiple languages is a neccesity for serious competition on the world market. the united states is already lagging far behind the world in science and math, do we want to continue to drag our feet in the mud of intellect by not promoting different languages?
It is baffeling how America is sooo far behind in education...
EVERY SINGLE Japanese student learns English. Along with Romanian students.... Hey!! guess what??! Japan has the best educational system in the world....
Maybe America should quit being a grumpy old man and listen to someone else for a change..... OUR EDUCATION SUCKS... THATS WHY THEY KEEP MAKING CURVES... or even worse passing kids in high school just to get them out of the hair.
Come on now lets Do this right!!!!
I agree that our school system should have foreign language requirements for the younger learner. Most public schools introduce students to a second language in high school. When I was in high school, we just needed two years of foreign language and were limited to Spanish, Japanese, French and German (I'm a little bitter about that; I wish they taught, as dead as the language is, Latin). Also, learning a second language improves our knowledge of our first language, English.
Because elementary schools aren't teaching foreign languages, maybe a parent can step in. If you aren't bilingual, then learn another language with your child. And of course there are private lessons you can enroll children in. There is a Korean school in my area and I'm sure if I did the research, I’d find a lot more.
I would personally like to see American Sign Language added as an alternative to a foreign language. Yes, it's great to know a foreign language, I'm not disputing that. But it would also be just as great to offer students the opportunity to learn ASL so they can communicate with citizens who can't speak. I'm not sure why it's not been done already.
I'm not sure we should start as early as 1st or 2nd grade, however. I can see 4th or 5th grade... by that point you should have learned enough English to not confuse the rules when a foreign language is added. Even though, my best friend as a kid moved here from Hong Kong the summer before 2nd grade. She took English courses over the summer and by the start of school, was fluent in both. I just don't know if all little kids could handle that. Not to mention kids are already spending far too much time doing school work at night after having spent 6 to 8 hours in classes.
Yes! ASL should be offered as a language in schools.
I think everyone should learn at least two languages, and so long as it's low pressure and they aren't pushed too hard kids should start learning a second language as early as possible. Learning doesn't have to be difficult and unenjoyable work. Little kids learn all the time, usually without even knowing whether they're learning or playing, so if two or three or a dozen languages are made a part of their life they'll learn at least a little of all the languages. If they decide they like speaking multiple language they'll most likely become fluent in the languages they enjoy, and if they don't enjoy it that much, having heard multiple languages early will still benefit them when they're required to take a foreign language in high school and/or college.
I agree. I can see the benefits to this as well. Also with ASL, the brain activity is different because not only are you learning the language, but you are learning how to 'move' with the language.
I was thinking about giving the options of:
Spanish, German, French, and now that you mention it, ASL.
I think a lot more languages should be part of the list. Like Japanese, I have taken the language for two years, but to get a good grip of the language I would have to continue with my studying.
Arabic (a big part of understanding the world now)
Latin (my high school offers it)
Chinese
Italian (not so sure, but it would be a good idea)
my whole point is that we should not limit the languages to those that are most wanted by people. Because everybody is different, and everybody would want to learn something that is different. I think the whole concept of offering infinite amount of languages can be done through virtual reality class. I know that these packages can be brought by students and schools.
I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
You know, the thought of having classes like this taught with computer programs or something like this, never entered my head until I read your post.
I would be much cheaper to teach students a new language but getting companies like, Rosette Stone, Langenscheit, or others and putting their language learning programs onto computers.
And it really wouldn't be that difficult for speaking practice either. The children could have a 'once a week' class where they meet just to converse in their new language, or present a report in the new language, or just say some dialouge between eachother.
I really don't know, but it is something to think about.
thanks.
I think that is a great idea, meeting once a week to present or simply converse in the language being learned. I think also becoming a pen pal with a person who is fluent in the language being learned would be very helpful too. That way you are exposed to the language and cultures outside of the learning environment.
I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
I too enjoy the idea of having a pen pal, and as a matter of fact, I have 3 pen pals in Germany. Not only do I get to learn more German this way, but I also get to learn a little bit more about their culture and society.
It also will decrease the hostility between the cultures. There are many plus sides to this program.
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I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
You know, the thought of having classes like this taught with computer programs or something like this, never entered my head until I read your post.
I would be much cheaper to teach students a new language but getting companies like, Rosette Stone, Langenscheit, or others and putting their language learning programs onto computers.
And it really wouldn't be that difficult for speaking practice either. The children could have a 'once a week' class where they meet just to converse in their new language, or present a report in the new language, or just say some dialouge between eachother.
I really don't know, but it is something to think about.
thanks.
how much can u really learn a lang by sitting in front of a computer??
As much as I hated my instructor speaking in french the whole entire class... well I learned the most..
This is the type of subject you can not.... AND I STRESS--- CANNOT---... learn without doing!!
Why are there study abroad programs?
Why are those kids able to blow MOST students out the water??
Well these can be interactive programs, where it is spoken in the language being learned.
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I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
agreed. These programs would be interactive, and as I said before, there would be meetings are least once a week, hopefully more, where these students get together with teachers and other students learning their language and converse. THey would practice speaking and listening.
However, I would still rather see this be taught with a teacher in the classroom and it be an everyday thing.
Oh, something else just came to mind. Why do you (not just you, but everyone) think that American foreign exchanges in high school last 2 weeks? Because American's can't handle anything longer than 2 weeks, they barely are taught 2 days worth of communication let alone a full academic year's worth. Shouldn't there be red flags flying up when this happens? I mean, shouldn't this be saying something about our education?
I am not sure! I know that there was this Japanese girl from Japan that spent a whole semester in our school. It was a sister city thing with Detroit and a city in Japan.
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I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
Right, but she was FROM Japan, correct?
Ya, but she was really quiet at first. Actually, at the end she told our japanese class that she was scared of us.
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I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
Yes, but she still new enough to come for a full semester and get around, probably with little to no problem. Most American High School Foreign Exchange students, are only in the other countries for 2 weeks. Why? Because American's can't handle anything longer than that.
I think we are too spoiled. That when we are in a situation we are not familiar in we don't know what to do with themselves.
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I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
When it comes to veryday situations, then yes, that is the case, most of the time anyways.
But when it comes to Foreign cultures and languages, it's because of ignorance, and lack of knowledge. Which can only be traced back to our education systems.
It is just not on our education system, I think the ignorance for other cultures and religions have a far deeper root. ---------------------------------------------------
I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
I remember learning some American Sign Language in elementary school, but it wasn't much (the alphabet, simple words and a couple songs).
At a few of the colleges that I've attended ASL has been offered; it also can be used for the foreign language requirement.
American Sign Lang IS a foreign lang... Or I guess you can consider it an alternative...
But really there is no reason ( in my interpretation) for ASL to be considered an ALT or even not being considered as a foreign lang......
I think learning ASL would be a wonderful idea. That we get to communicate with people, that we otherwise would not talk to. It would also give us the opportunity to reach out of the box.
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I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
I did begin learning French in second grade...... I loved it... but it stopped very quickly.. the lesson was only for a shoprt while and I did not study it again untill 8th grade.
I AGREE completely to start it young..
Did you have the option of continuing the French throughout grade school and just chose to not continue with it, or was it a second grade only deal?
I have another question for everyone:
For those of you that had the option of a new language at a young age, where was your school located, like what state?
My brother had the option of learning spanish and french in middle school, but that was the only school in Detroit that offered it. I am not sure is the suburbs in Michingan offer foreign languages to elementary or middle school kids.
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I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
Hello let me tell you a little bit of myself. I was born in California L.A. My family speaks Spanish. When I went to school in California in the kindergartner and 1st grade, I was in like half of the day in English and the next half in Spanish or something like that. I DON’T KNOW WHY! But I was really got confuse with both languages. So I agree with dolittle that first-grader barely know the rules of English or another language. Adding another language to the list will just confuse the kids. Like me when I was little. zm
I think it's a good idea. Why DO 1st and 2nd graders barely know the rules of English? Because it's what we have allowed them to sink to. It's what's EXPECTED of them. In Ancient Rome/Greece, for example, etc. children could speak Latin at that age, and probably had mastered whatever their teacher had taught them. At other times, other languages were the norm for children to know EVEN at that "young" an age. Children are behind because we let them slip behind.
I fear no man(Nazgul)...i'm no man(Eowyn) -LoTR
I agree! In almost every other country the kids are being taught English so they can be prepared for the real world, trading with the western world etc. In Africa almost all kids know more than one language, do to the fact that thier neighbors and friends have a different tongue. It seems we are the only country that introduces a different culture and language in a persons teen years. When the affect of the brain washed tv shows have already settled into thier heads. This is why we have so many ignorant people in this country.
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I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
At my college, they have classes in Spanish, French, and Italian; but I wish they would offer German because I would like to learn German because I couldn't take it in high school.