I think the teaching of multiple languages is something that the US doesn't look at as important and is something that should be reformed. Maybe it is because the US is secluded from many other countries unlike in Europe or perhaps its just a manifestation of the US as the best and not needing to take on other languages, but this thinking needs to change in my opinion. Just like the Italians were able to foresee, the importance of language is paramount for many reasons and is something I think the US Education system should look into reforming.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Italy and Languages
I found it very interesting in the reading on Italy that the Ministry of Public Instruction mandated states teach other languages. This was stated as essential for educational and professional development. Elementary schools were reorganized to include modern languages and middle/upper school curricula included the study of foreign languages. I think learning different languages is extremely important and valuable. The Italian government was right when they said that the study of languages and culture are essential to meet the needs of immigrant populations as well as other reasons. We learned that language helps create a sense of national identity also. To combat obvious problems that arise with immigrant populations, the Italians have taken a hands-on approach to language.
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I agree that teaching languages in schools is important and the U.S. should try to include more language teaching. I think that one large problem and argument against it is that there are so many languages spoken in the U.S. by various groups, so how can school systems choose which ones should be taught? It seems impossible to include them all. In addition, I think that most public schools do not have the money or resources to add language programs beyond ones that have previously existed (in French or Spanish, for example). Resources for public schools are already low and schools tend to focus on other subjects like English and Mathematics before making reforms to language departments.
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