Why don't American children learn multiple languages?

[Rita]

So I was just filling out my application for UT-Austin and they asked that question. So see, I will be at a distinct disadvantage for college admissions because I am not fluent in any language other than English.

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My daughter starts UT Austin this fall and has had 3 years of HS French. I doubt she put down that she could speak it fluently, as I am sure she can't. She was not at a disadvantage, let alone a distinct disadvantage, in getting into the University or into the College of Communications. They look at much more than that. It is competitive but with high SAT, ACT scores, doing academically well in HS and taking advanced courses, plus showing leadership abilities through activities you've been involved in, and a good record of volunteer work; the fact that you aren't fluent in a foreign language should not be the "distinct disadvantage" you believe it to be.


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[hkem1]

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My daughter starts UT Austin this fall and has had 3 years of HS French. I doubt she put down that she could speak it fluently, as I am sure she can't. She was not at a disadvantage, let alone a distinct disadvantage, in getting into the University or into the College of Communications. They look at much more than that. It is competitive but with high SAT, ACT scores, doing academically well in HS and taking advanced courses, plus showing leadership abilities through activities you've been involved in, and a good record of volunteer work; the fact that you aren't fluent in a foreign language should not be the "distinct advantage" you believe it to be.


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You're right.

 

[ClintClint]

funny that nobody answered the "elephant in the room" question....

For me, the "Elephant" isn't the question, it's the answer that's so obvious. Master one task ( i.e. English ) before becoming inept ( noncommunicative ) in another. The ultimate goal should be a clear expression of the intended meaning and a clear understanding of that expression by the recipient. But, if clear meaning is all that matters, then flippin' a bird during road rage would qualify. The quality of content is a singular decision so treat it as irretrievable as virginity or flatulence.
With all the tools available to utilize the Americanized version of English such as metaphors, double entendres, etc, ours is a rich and delicious language.
I consider a second language as a luxury and very desirable skill, but I'm still working on English.

 

[LuciferSam]

I know a couple of families who have a successful tradition of teaching their children both English and another language simultaneously from the day they are born.

 

[Will B]

... If I were going to encourage my kids to speak just one other language, it would be Chinese.

There's the other problem. Which "Chinese" should they learn? There are 7 dialects with even more subdialects. A lot of Chinese people can't even understand each other.

The owners of my local Chinese restaurant are a great example. The wife speaks Cantonese. The husband speaks Mandarin. They can't speak to each other in their own language so they have to speak either English or Vietnamese. Go figure!

 

[scooterbug44]

For me, the "Elephant" isn't the question, it's the answer that's so obvious. Master one task ( i.e. English ) before becoming inept ( noncommunicative ) in another.
I consider a second language as a luxury and very desirable skill, but I'm still working on English.

My own second language skills are not fabulously fluent (that doesn't stop me of course). Manners/respect for others and better communication are the goals, not fluency.

English is a difficult language to learn - no rhyme or reason because we have adopted so many foreign words.

I find that most of those who are quite vehement about everyone speaking English in 'merica are those who own language skills I find lacking. :roll:

 

[Rita]

It is easier to learn languages when you are younger, but nothing will make you learn like NEEDING to learn. .....................................

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You are so right about that! Here's a great commercial. ..;-)


YouTube - Banned Comercials - cat and fish bowl

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[poppy]

I speak fluent Southern Drawl.

 

[futurebeachbum]

It seems to me that our original 'Melting Pot' patterns have a lot to do with it.

Historically, immigrants who came to America (and who would probably be the best teachers for us of their native tongues) were tightly focused on assimilation and success. Many would not even let their kids learn the parents native language..they wanted them to be English speakers. Learning a foreign language was not a component of success.

That, coupled with a really crappy approach in schools to language instruction, is why we are where we are today.

I took 4+ years of French in HS and JHS and I can read a little and speak a tiny bit, but I was never taught to understand it when it is spoken conversationally (and at conversational speed) to me. What a waste.

 

[scooterbug44]

It all depends on where you grew up and what you considered proper.

English was our primary language, but other languages or phrases were spoken - and sometimes you spoke a different language to be respectful because that is what the grandparents/older people spoke.

And those smatterings of other languages came in very handy when I traveled or learned vocabulary.