Thursday, September 24, 2009
Not So Foreign Language, Understanding.
Should colleges and universities require students to have completed some study of a foreign language as a graduation requirement? I think they should. I feel this is a wonderful idea, although it is already employed, and should be kept. Taking a foreign language isn't about learning the language as much as it is learning about other cultures and other people. How their society works and what the societal norms are. Don't get me wrong; knowing the language can help you in many ways. It's an extra credential potential employers will look at. It can help you communicate more efficiently with the ever diversifying demographic of the United States. I know some people have the mindset of "This is America, speak... well English!", we all know people like this, and let me be the first one to say, these people probably do not have the benefit of a high school education, so what they say really holds no water. Yes, this is America, and we have all run into situations where we had a language barrier. Instead of getting angry and ethnocentric about it, learn from the situation. Use it as a spring board to get to know the other people of this world, believe it or not, the United States isn't the center of the universe, there are other people out there! Shocking for some I know, but those who have realized this and adjusted to it are more successful because of it. To remain an isolationist in this day in age is not only detrimental to your possibilities of earning an income, but it just makes you sound so uneducated and disrespectful. By requiring college students to finish a course of a foreign language we will begin to churn out people who have respect for the rest of the world. You see, we fear what we do not know. So why not learn? Who wants to fear everything? Why not live a happy life, carefree? It truly isn’t that difficult if you think about it. It's funny that those who are the most fearful are also the most undedicated and unadjusted to the "new world" for lack of a better term. We could solve a lot of our problems by taking the time to learn about our neighbors, familiarize ourselves with their culture as they do ours. Then, maybe, the next time you have a language barrier come up at work or at a restaurant; you won't lash out and say "This is America, why don't they speak our language!" Instead, first, you may know the language which may lead to better deals and perks for showing respect, second if you do not know the language you can at least make an effort to try and understand. That's the moral of the story, try and understand where others are coming from, like I said, the world doesn't revolve around the United States; there are other people out there. So, to tie this all together, yes, I do think the current requirement for graduating students to take a foreign language course is appropriate. I think it challenges you in more ways than just academically and actually does make you a more well rounded and understanding person.
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You really made a good point and I completely agree that the benefits of learning a foreign language go way beyond being able to order food in a restaurant or asking where the bathroom is in a foreign country. Since I support your point so strongly, let me play devil’s advocate though, and show another extreme. I was recently in a clothing store where the woman in front of me was attempting to return something. She made no attempt to speak English; instead she spoke a foreign language to the clerk who clearly did not understand. When the clerk shook her head politely to convey that she did not understand, the woman just spoke louder and angrily until the clerk left her register to go find someone who could help translate. I can’t even imagine living in a country where I did not speak the language and expecting people to adapt to me, nor can I imagine sending my children to school without teaching them the national language. So I guess that while I don’t agree with people’s ignorant comments such as “if you don’t speak the language….”, I can see where the frustration can begin.
ReplyDeleteNow let me flip back over with a quote:
"Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures" Cèsar E. Chavèz
Our high school students absolutely deserve the benefit of learning a foreign language; in fact I think it should be mandatory much earlier on. It is easier to learn language as a child so it should be part of the academic world from Kindergarten on, just as art, music and physical education are. My children have Spanish in their elementary curriculum, but they go to private school so I’m not sure what’s available in public schools at that age. On top of that, each year they have a “Nations Day” where each student becomes a representative from a foreign country. The project includes researching that country, learning key phrases, putting together a presentation on general culture and cooking a dish from the region. It’s a great way for them to personalize the study of the world outside the United States, and our children really need to understand that there is one! As far as ignorance and prejudice go, I have pretty much lost faith that adults will change. The study of foreign language and culture in school presents the possibility of global understanding for our children, who I still have hope for!
Hi Eric! Your blog has very interesting ideas and opinions, which I totally share. I’d like to bring the point that you’ve made when you said that it should be a requirement in college to take a foreign language class. It is not only an advantage to make one’s resume look good, it is actually a tool to further our education and understanding of other cultures. So, that we don’t become ignorant and under educated, powerless to influence and participate in with the world around us. Also, one more good point that I’d like to bring up is the fact that those who were not born here in the U.S. or English-speaking countries, but are living here and other (English-speaking countries), who chose to be immigrants (regardless of their reasons) and seek citizenship from English-speaking countries should honor and respect its national language. I am not born here in the U.S.; it is true, however, that from the country I came from English is widely spoken, but it’s still not my native tongue. But in order to live here, survive, and enjoy the life my family has chosen I have to adjust to my environment and language. Without forgetting and keeping intact my culture and my native tongue is always a priority. Just because I speak English, it does not mean I’m betraying or turning my back away from my culture and native tongue. Many people whose English is not their first language probably feel this way, so they choose not to learn it at all despite living here most of their lives. What I’m saying is that it’s just fair to learn and speak the language of where you and your family are currently living in; it’s not betrayal simply showing of respect.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you wrote. Working in the retail enviornment I deal with different types of ethnicities on a daily basis. I know a lot of people who get frustrated and have the "This is America, why don't you speak it" attitude that you were talking about. I agree with you that we could learn a lot about one another if we knew another language. For example I know Mandarin, as I was taught by my grandmother. When I was younger I didn't care about languages and cultures. Growing up I appreciated the fact that I took time to learn Mandarin because it's opened my eyes to the wonderful culture of Asia. I almost pride myself that I know a lot about Asian culture, because I'm able to speak about my experiences and understanding of the people. Living in California, I wish I knew more about Spanish and Hispanic culture, just so I could realte and better understand people without having difficulties answering or responding to questions from Spanish speakers.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that making it a requirement in college to take a language class would be beneficial. It would only help add another notch onto our resumes as we enter into the marketplace after college.
I agree with you on everything you said. Your blog was very insightful. I agree with you, I think colleges and universities should have the requirement to take a foreign language in order to graduate. Learning another language can help you in the long run. Whether it is with a job or understanding the culture of the language, what is acceptable and what is not in that culture, etc. All these things are very important when you live in a world with such intricate diversities. People today under appreciate the different cultures that surround us every day. When it all comes down to it, we all are people living in the world. Of course people have different opinions and different things they believe in, but who is one to judge that? Who are we to tell someone else how to live? It is amazing how diverse our world is. We need to embrace this and start learning from the other cultures. A great start is getting more students to take foreign language classes as a graduation requirement not to just learn the language but to learn the culture and ethics that go along with it.
ReplyDeleteHey Eric I do believe that it should be a requirement that you should have a foreign language because to me, to be an effective communicator you must learn to communicate in other languages than your native tongue. I look at the essay The U.S. Needs a Official Language and it is reverse as the rest of the world believes that learning English is important while In the U.S. it is the exact opposite. People may think you just need to know Spanish but that's not the case because you have so many people from different cultures and languages that just being proficient in English and Spanish is not enough. Even in places like Georgia has people for cultures that are other than Spanish that they actually have to put in there budget to have translators. You have such languages a Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and others that are changing the landscape of our languages. I am a firm believer to communicate the way you want to others you must learn to speak these different languages. AS much as the foreign language is key i believe they should have a more extensive program on sex education and how to prepare kids to be able to handle finances and be more responsible with there money.
ReplyDeleteOuch….This is America, people should speak English. While I see your point fully and I agree colleges as well as high schools should require a second language of one’s choosing. I think there is nothing wrong with learning about other people’s culture. I think the more we can learn the more we can understand each other, thus causing less friction. I agree we shouldn’t be isolated but why can’t we as Americans all speak on language? In other countries it is done and no one seems to feel they are wrong for wanting that. I agree that learning more than one language is a smart choice it expands our job options globally tenfold. I also agree that by learning about each other makes for a more carefree world there are a lot of points I agree to. I just cannot fathom why it is not acceptable to feel as though we live in one place we should have one language that is universal for that land in which we live. It does not mean others are not valued it just means we can all communicate together.
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