Why don't American children learn multiple languages?

[DuneAHH]

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

That's such a TRUTH in every aspect of life!
To some far lesser extent is ongoing curiosity.

As English (to date) is generally the global language of business; I found that the only spoken language I needed/utilized, on any regular basis was NYC-Garment-Center-Yiddish. Certainly folks who live a singular overseas posting have different needs.

In practice, of far greater value than being fluent in other spoken languages is understanding, appreciation, and sensitivity to other CULTURAL backgrounds & collective experiences... the basis for their motivations, actions/reactions, and how those get expressed via facial/body language.

Smiling Eyes are Universal.

 

[DuneAHH]

Living in an international dorm for the past two years has taught me many things about how America differs from the rest of the world. But the one thing that stands out the most, is that my American peers and I all only know one language, while the Asians and Europeans are practically fluent in 3 or 4 different languages.

Something I observed working internationally (particularly in Asian countries) is that while they may SPEAK several languages, they LIVE one homogenous "cultural" language. America, conversely, is (or was) a melting pot of different cultures and societies. A single common SPOKEN language is the thing that brought all that diversity together, transforming America into what she uniquely is/was.

Throughout world history (and continuing to this day in some regions) are the tales of warring 'tribes' who were unequipped to find peaceful ground in which to prosper, in part, due to speaking different languages and/or dialects of a 'same' language.

While I am horrified by the quintessential ugly American traveler... I don't necessarily attribute those unattractive behaviors to a lack of fluency in other SPOKEN languages. I attribute it more to a lack of experiential empathy; or perhaps just the youthful exuberance of an idealistic 'young' Nation.

 

[hkem1]

Anyone know what we require here in Walton at the middle and high school level?

There is no foreign language requirement for high school graduation in Florida. But Spanish is required for almost all students at Seaside.

I guess it depends on what the state requirements were where you grew up. We were required to learn a second language in high school. I chose spanish, my sister chose french. We also had japanese and russian to choose from.

In Texas we have a two year requirement for high school graduation as well as admission into most of the State universities. I don't understand though why the flagship university in Florida requires two years foreign language (as almost all similar universities do) yet they do not require students to graduate high school.

 

[DuneAHH]

There is no foreign language requirement for high school graduation in Florida. But Spanish is required for almost all students at Seaside.



In Texas we have a two year requirement for high school graduation as well as admission into most of the State universities. I don't understand though why the flagship university in Florida requires two years foreign language (as almost all similar universities do) yet they do not require students to graduate high school.

Conundrum. One of the lovliest white wines I've ever imbibed.