Languages. They are important, right? They allow us to communicate with each other and teach us about other cultures. So, my frustration is this: What is wrong with the United States of America?
I have European friends who know multiple languages. Their school requirements deemed this necessary early in life. So, why doesn't the US do the same?
Some argue that it is simply because the radius of our country extends further than European countries or because English speaking people are found throughout the globe. What lame excuses.
Spanish is being incorporated into language requirements because of the increase in the US Spanish population. I hold disdain for this fact: You don't speak English, so we will be expected to speak Spanish.
No. Everyone should be, at the very least, bilingual. I try to learn basic vocabulary for every country I visit. I should not expect them to know English. If happen to struggle with parts of the language, I can always inquire (in whatever language necessary): "Come si dice ____ in l'italiano?" (How do you say ____ in Italian?) "Che cosa voul dire..." (What does it mean to say...).
I believe that the US should instill multiple foreign languages in our vocabulary at early ages. Parents should also put forth the effort to teach their children other languages. Besides, it has been scientifically proven that music and language assist in brain development.
http://www.parentinginformation.org/braindevelopment.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060920093024.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment