Discussions

Hi, The world is like a big family these days, and countries have no boundaries when it comes to travelling. In such circumstances its better to know more than one language as language bridges the gap between people. Chinese train their people train in all the world languages to be able to send them to work in Their units across the world. One should take examples from them. Most european countries are well versed in several languages, why should an American student or person stand to lose? You learn more, you gain more!

anuradha Aug. 28, 2010

Very important, now a days you should know both Spanish and Chinese. I am sure that when you travel you notice that everyone around the world knows english on top of what ever language they speak.

Miller2828 Aug. 28, 2010

I think the introduction of foriegn languages at an early age would be extraordinarily beneficial! We are so backwards on this important skill... I'm not sure when America gained this attitude, but most countries have time out of mind utilized more than one language!

SabrinaGiesler Aug. 30, 2010

It is very important for American students to become fluent in other languages as part of a broader effort to improve our understanding of the world. Remaining insular will not serve us in a world that is increasing interdependent.

GreggMitchell Aug. 30, 2010

The world is flat now.Boundaries of cultures and countries, has just melt away.I this area of rapid development and change, innovation may happen at any place.To get it first, it is important for American students to learn foreign languages.Apart from this materialistic point of view, this is the time of when we are pursuing the evolution in human consciousness through spiritual enlightenment.Many of these traditions belongs to east and can be better followed through the acquisition of a new language.

imtiaz Aug. 31, 2010

hi, i think is very important mostly the Spanish and chines, it will help u a lot when you travel out of the country to other country it will help to interact with other in different part of the world

chiboy Aug. 31, 2010

Multicultural education including exposure to multiple langagues is essential for students to achieve their maximum capabilities both personally and professionally.

John H Sept. 1, 2010

They'll make a better presentation of themselves when interacting with people here and abroad if they not only speak another language, but if they also learn to speak their native tongue fluently and grammatically correct.

rane Sept. 5, 2010

To be multilingual is a must for our children to master. It should be mandatory in all schools at a very early age that another language be taught. It will benefit our children and our future. Teaching diversity and the exploration of multicultural education at an early age will also teach tolerance. Language is an important part of communication and with the world becoming so diverse it is benefical for the world on many levels. Socially and economically. The language barriers keep individuals from establishing relationships and friendships with people who could become their best friend. Also, for the child/grownup who doesn't speak English this would help with acceptance and growth in all areas of their life.

csunshine02 Sept. 5, 2010

On another note, learning another language will educate our child about other cultures and broaden their horizons. Children can be very limited on their world perspective and not see outside their own. Another language can open up another world to a child and his dreams. Educating our children to be the most sufficient and educated adults is the goal and why shouldn't we equip them with all the best tools?

csunshine02 Sept. 5, 2010

In a world that sees its' borders diminishing, its' cultures and traditions mingling, it is quickly becoming apparent that our children will need to embrace and learn other languages. Like many communities around the world, America's strength lies in its' diversity (some 300+ languages are spoken in the U.S.), and as such, should be reflected through a willingness to contribute as much to the global marketplace as to our global identity. Studies have shown that teaching other languages to young minds improves their intellect and social skills, making them better prepared for a growing world that somehow gets smaller and smaller every day.

funkanansi Sept. 6, 2010

It is too bad this even needs to be discussed it seems so obvious! Children should start in grade school, I grew up near Quebec and now live in California... I can get by with a little French but not with confidence and after 7 years here, I still cannot understand a word of Spanish!

AayanHedburg Sept. 7, 2010

You can only trully know a people, if you speak their language. You can grow much more as a human being if you allow yourself to meet all kinds of people; If you share your knowledge of the world and receive their knowledge in return. The world is wide, it's a pitty that sometimes we only explore it with our own eyes, with only our own cultural background.

Hannie Sept. 8, 2010

Even just knowing other languages, as opposed to being fluent, can open up a world of possibility...literally. Being able to speak another person's native tongue can help foster cultural understanding and the exchange of knowledge. Maybe with improved communication we can all get along just a little bit better.

KenzieBen3 Sept. 9, 2010

The world is rich in so many ways when language is not a barrier. Why American education is not forefront in teaching other languages at a young age continues to baffle me. I now live in a place where the predominant language is Spanish and I only have a small grasp of it still. But every time I try, my neighbors and friends light up, delighted that the 'American woman' tries at least a little bit, even if badly. Today, a French couple came into my business and I said, 'Ask if you have any questions, but I can only count to ten in French, so English please, I'm American you know and we're uni-lingual. They were shocked that I'd admit that and taught me a couple of French phrases. It's like your question about being selfless; more languages, bigger world, more understanding. Why wouldn't we want that?

MJ April 1, 2011

Language reflects culture more than any other aspect. The fact that it is always evolving defines the dynamics of a society. To actually participate in this diversity is incredibly stimulating. To be able to speak and understand ideas outside one's home culture opens the doors of the mind in a way that remaining monolingual never can. The lingua franca of a discipline, business>English or science>Latin, may bring expertise in one area. To lose the global diversity of multi-languages/cultures would be a diminution of our human heritage. Scholars continually try to retrieve our lost languages and preserve them.

rebawsmith June 11, 2011