Spanish in Schools

[Chicks_N_Horses]

I like French

...I know a little spanish. We took it in school - not sure if they still do it there though....

I don't think it should be required but should be there as an option to learn it if you want to.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Quote:
I agree. It does not matter what the language is, as long as one is offered. Other than the really big schools, I would not expect any languages to be offered unless enough parents tell their school board members they want them in anything other than high school. Money is too tight and not enough kids sign up for the classes. High schools have to offer two years of a second language as it is required for most good colleges. One of my sons had trouble getting Spanish II as his high school dropped the course his senior year because not enough kids signed up for it. He had to have the course as it was required for college. He got the course by taking it as a "special studies" class, which means he had to learn it on his own and pass the tests. I agree with Ddawn. Our educational system has a few flaws.

I think most everyone on this thread recognizes there are advantages to knowing a second language. It helps you get in the college of your choice. In several jobs, it can make you a more valuable employee and give you a lot of travel opportunities. Companies involved in international trade need people that speak foreign languages. In the military it gives you a lot more options and opportunities. And it does make travel a lot more fun. It is nice to know when you order a meal if you are ordering tripe or shrimp.

I have never been to Italy but I've been in most of the rest of western Europe. Spain would be my first choice, (the people, the food, the wine, the music, and it is affordable) Ireland second (the people, beautiful country, the challenging driving conditions, and a Guinness in Dublin. I stopped drinking Guinness after that as I realized the other stuff is just stuff), Scotland next (the people, the countryside, Edinbourg, and the scotch).

 

[Camelot Farms]

In NY in the 80's, we were mandated to take 3 years of a foreign language...our choices were Spanish, French and *gulp* Latin.

Here in VA, its an elective, at least I think its offered....*hanging head in shame that I dont know what my kids elective choices are*

 

[fowler_chick]

Yes French is first in quebec, and that's why i ended up leaving!! i left when my daughter just finished 5th grade, (i think what there trying to do in quebec is a lost cause,) when my husband and i enrolled her in school state side they tested her......because of the poor education in quebec she only had a grade 2 english reading level and this poor child was heading in to grade 6!!! it took a lot fo hard work both my us and the school but we brought her up to speed!!, 4 years later she's a b average student!! i'm glad that we live in a small town ( pre k through 12 has only 200 student's with in the whole school, my daughter grade has 12 students) . the only time i have ever use my french skills down here ( south west kansas) was when a officer cought 2 kids out of winnipeg down here and they refused to speak english to the officer, that quickley changed when i told the officer wht they were saying about him..

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

In elementary school, we had spanish class once a week. In middle school, it was optional as an elective, but you could take other foreign languages if you wanted. (I took Japanese, just because...) In High School, it depends on what "track" you are on. If you are on the 4-year-old college track, you are required to take 2 levels of the same language. Other tracks have different requirements, which I am not sure of since the track stuff has changed since I graduated 7 years ago.

 

[debilorrah]

We shouldn't HAVE to know spanish. However, the reality is that Hispanic people from all over the world are migrating to the US in untold numbers. It is better for our young, and for their futures, if they do speak and read spanish. Unfortunate reality.

 

[briesberrypatch]

A true story about the importance of learning a foreign language:

Back during the Vietnam War, a young man who had been drafted was sitting in a hangar waiting to get on a flight to Vietnam. Suddenly, an announcement was made that they needed someone who could speak Spanish for a particular assignment. He jumped up, volunteered, and he stayed in the US for his entire duty.

That man was not a native speaker of Spanish. He had learned it in college. After his time in the military, he became the best Spanish professor I've ever known.


Learning another language (or two or three) is a good idea for a lot of reasons. I'm fluent in Spanish and have studied French, German and Italian for years. I wish more Americans would make the effort. My Dutch friends are proficient in five languages each; the Swedes I've met often boast a similar number of languages. There's no miracle about that - it's due to classroom education and media exposure (TV, radio, travel, etc).

Teaching language in elementary schools would be a great start - as a linguist who specializes in language acquisition, I can tell you that those schools are few and far between, and we're missing a huge opportunity by waiting until junior high or high school to start teaching languages.

I love this Berlitz ad for learning a language:

 

[Mahonri]

Quote:
Por que aqui en Phoenix, casi toda la gente habla Español.

Lo uso todos los dias.

¡Si quieres comunicar, TIENES que hablar el Español!

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Quote:
It's all part of the "becoming a well-rounded individual" they seem to shove down your throat. If I wanted to be an individual, I wouldn't take it!

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
It's all part of the "becoming a well-rounded individual" they seem to shove down your throat. If I wanted to be an individual, I wouldn't take it!

With a son approaching 20 years old and knows not a lick of spanish, I would say it is important for his FUTURE that he knows the most commonly spoken second language in the US. No I do not like it. I am very irritated at government spending to print things in 90 languages, including Swahili for cryin out loud!!! However, I want my son to have the best in his future and knowing spanish would enhance that.

My own humble opinion? Close the borders. Not meant to start anything, just my opinion.