least one foreign, 38% of which could speak English. Therefore, the attitude and belief that English speakers need not learn a foreign language because ‘all foreigners can speak English fluently’ is fundamentally false. There may be numerous reasons as to the apparent lack of English speakers, but it could be said, in my opinion, that if Esperanto were introduced as the way forward for international language competence, the shortage of foreign language speakers within the UK and abroad could find its solution. In addition, it must be considered that Esperanto is not merely pushing for linguistic change, but also cultural and societal change. Noam Chomsky writes, “…to a concern for human language which would appear to be a prerequisite for …show more content…
In order to begin Esperanto’s ascent into the international conscience the language would need to be introduced into the education systems of countries willing to accept the language (which, in itself, would be a very difficult, perhaps impossible political undertaking). However, in order to do so, there would need to be Esperantists trained in the teaching of the language and willing to devote their time, otherwise spent on their ‘hobby’ to its teaching. The expenses required by government to invest in the advocacy and introduction of Esperanto into schools do not guarantee an acceptable and viable return; world governments simply do not know enough in the first place about the language to come to a conclusive decision. However, the International Working Party has written a proposal on the subject of Esperanto’s introduction into the education system, in which they states the following aims: 1. “We must reach a point where, in at least two thirds of European Union and European countries there is a minumum of 1 to 5 schools for children between 5 and 11, in which Esperanto is being taught compulsorily as a first foreign language and a developmental subject 2. We must reach a point where, in at least two thirds of European Union and European countries, there is a minimum of 1 to 5 schools for 11 to 16 year olds, scout troops and other youth organisations in which Esperanto is used as a relatively easily acquired means of intercultural and multilingual
There are a lot of students being placed whose primary language is not English. Students walk into a mainstream classroom not being able to speak English. Students in this situation are call English Language Learners(ELLs). These students are not receiving appropriate language support to succeed in their language development which is causing them to not have the ability to acquire language.
The technique relies on a holistic approach that adopts instructions that allow students to actively participate in the learning process. This is easier for children that feel that the society appreciates their diversity through bilingualism and biliteracy. The society and parents need to encourage children to take up bilingual classes because they offer a lot of benefit to the society through favoring critical thinking, rationality, and sensitivity to other cultures, empathy, and detached or balanced awareness. However, Sonia Nieto mirrors a society that is made to fake being American and become ashamed of their family. It helps appreciate that it is not by choice that anyone speaks any other language as the first language and that the society and community influence the language of choice. Therefore, bilingualism cannot be detached from any community that freely promotes and accommodate the language spoken by the other community. Children and community members learn each other’s language without disregarding each other favoring effective learning that influences bilingualism and biliteracy in the long
Expert opinions used in McGray’s article are used to offer different perspective of other professionals and experts who weigh in on the discussion. Even though the audience knows McGray’s credibility, more evidence is needed on why the lack of foreign education is a big deal in America. McGray uses the authors of the 1975 Helsinki Accords, which promoted the study of foreign languages, to further illustrate his point quoting, “‘The United States requires far more reliable capacities to communicate with allies, analyze behavior of potential adversaries’”(). The quote beautifully demonstrates how even officials 40 years ago were concerned about the education system not incorporating foreign education in the curriculum. McGray utilizes the quote to show how even in 1975 people were concerned about the lack of foreign education, signifying that this has always been a problem and must be changed. McGray also adds in this expert opinion to offer how learning another language would benefit the future. It would allow workers to better communicate in their careers and analyze possible opportunities in another country. McGray argues, through expert opinions, that there are actually benefits to learning multiple languages. McGray presents these professional’s idea in his article to help strengthen his point and offer multiple ideas on the issue. Professional opinions are
Day by day, there are foreigners whose first language may not be English. There can be difficulty in learning a new language in a new land, and it can be hard to adjust to
In Richard Rodriguez’s memoir he explains how children who speak another language, excluding english, do not receive the best education, as in today, being a bilingual speaker is an academic enrichment (Potowski). In today’s time, language is an advantage for both children and adults. It is an advantage for children because they can communicate with more people and can be more open-minded towards different people and would grow up with better communication skills. Bilingualism at a young age also has many advantages for children's
Even though the dominance of a language can allow for the loss of a culture, it can also bring awareness. In schools, local community centers and other various places, foreign languages are taught, not only do non-native speakers take on these languages but native speakers do as well to keep their culture. By doing so it “revitalizes cultures and cultural artifacts through foreign influences, technologies, and markets.” (Gerdes
A smooth transition into society is a necessity that only a few institutions like bilingual education can offer. Every year, hundred thousands of students enter the United States from all over the globe: in the 2008/09 school year, over 672,000 international students came to this country. While many are here to pursue higher studies in college, a great number of international students enroll in primary education. It is during these elementary educational years that developing speaking and social skills are vital. Language barriers present a hindrance in doing this effectively. Hence, public schools have instituted bilingual programs like ESL...
Mujica, Mauro E. “Why the U.S Needs an Official Language.” Worldandi.com. 2003. Web. 31 July 2011. .
There are many things wrong with the world right now and that does not exclude the US, while there are many issues with dealing with an increasingly global society but none of them are as easy to fix and as urgent reforming language education. Although it is important for language to be standardized so that we can all understand each other, the state of language education is holding back non-native and native speakers alike.
Moreover, use of the native language builds a connection between the home and school. ESOL students’ families should be encouraged to read and talk to their children in the family’s native language if this is their strongest language. Families should be encouraged to develop literacy in the native language even when schools are not able to provide it, keeping in mind that not all families have had formal schooling opportunities. ESOL students’ interaction with their families in their native language will give them the richest possible language foundation, advancing the learning
The discussion over bilingual education for young children focuses on different matters, such as culture and language maintenance,
Being multilingual has great importance. As previously presented, it keeps cultural diversity alive and creates better communication with the rest of the ...
As time goes by and as the global community develops, the world grows more and more international, making second or third language acquisition become necessary to the majority. With the growing importance of multiple language ability, more and more parents think of bilingual or multilingual education, which means acquisitions of two or more languages, for their kids. In fact, we do have many reasons showing why multilingual education is important and beneficial, such as aspects of interpersonal relationship, employment, brain health, and so on.
In 2009, teachers of a New Jersey school banned foreign languages and stated, “any language other than English will not be tolerated" (Debaron 1). This situation was soon no longer allowed. While over ten percent of the total adolescent education systems contain emergent bilinguals, a whopping sixty percent of those students are educated in only English (Bale). Maria Estela Brisk, a Boston College Education professor, believes, “schools has wasted much energy in the search for a "perfect" model and the best way to learn English” when they could just focus on proving “quality education” to every student in the system (1). Teacher’s main priority should consist of effectively teaching their students to prepare them for the future, but currently there are a lack of certified bilingual education teachers. When students are taught more in different ways, they can educationally benefit their cognitive abilities, involving the brain with “mathematics, problem solving, logic and memory”, can be improved to create an overall better student. Even by learning another language at a earlier age can contribute to __________. Learning another language will be
Some people do not have the desire to learn English, particularly those who do not use it in their daily lives and business. This situation often occurs where English is regarded as a foreign language.