My Personal Research Journey
I have narrowed
down my topic to Bilingual and Multilingual. I personal never thought that I
would be interested in other languages. Growing up in New York we were
introduced to a second language around the 5th grade. I cannot
remember how often we were taught a second language but we had a choice of
Spanish or French. I remember taking French from 5th grade to the 10th
grade and changing over to Spanish. Big mistake I became so confused between
the two languages.
Two weeks ago I
had the opportunity to visit the Caribbean Islands and was amazed at how young their
children were when they began to learn a second language. Children were
introduced to a second language as you as kindergarten and once they entered
the first grade they were no longer taught in their native language but are
taught English. I found this to be fascinating that these children started so
young learning another language.
In St. Maarten children
are taught 4 languages Dutch, English, Spanish, and French. These children
start a second language as young as 4 years old. As I traveled through the
Caribbean Islands I found it to be consistent that a second language was very
important. It is not like they have a choice it is required.
I have often
wondered how children of Hispanic families knew English so well but their
parents did not know the language. I learned through travel that by being
taught at an early age these children become bilingual and multilingual at a
very early age and then become their parent’s translators.
Through research
I would like to eventually know how the United States compare to other
countries when it come to a second language. Personally I do not believe that we
can compete with other countries who teach their children our native language. At
the school I work at we start our students taking a second language at the age
of 6th grade and they only have class twice a week for one period.
It bothers me that our children are not even interested in learning another
language they often take Spanish Class as a joke.
As I research this
topic I am hoping to better understand where we stand and what can be done if
anything to help our children become prepared for the future which will definitely
have Spanish as a big part of their lives.
I think it is great you are interested in other languages. I think every child should know a second language. It is a requirement here in our shcool system that our children take a foregin language before they graduate. Our school system only offers Spanish. The good thing about this is the teacher who teaches the class is very good in Spanish and she makes it fun and easy for the kids to learn. I play around with counting and saying colors in Spanish with my 3 year olds and they find it fun. That is about all I can do since I don't know much myself. I want to wish you the best of luck.
ReplyDeleteI, too, think that this will be wonderfully enlightening. You would think that more schools would require a foreign language given the diversity trend in the US. The public high schools in my area simply suggest two years of foreign language if students are planning to attend a state university. Otherwise, it is an elective. What a huge difference from the youngsters in the Caribbean!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to following your progress -
We traveled to Italy last year for vacation and almost everyone that lives there speaks English as well as Italian. There is a part of Italy that is German-speaking and the majority know English as well. I know in Europe they are taught English as well as their native tongue beginning very early. I think we are one of the only countries that doesn't place such a high emphasis on being bi-lingual. It sounds like you have chosen a great topic.
ReplyDeleteI think that you are off to a great start. I am looking forward to seeing what you discover. I wish my family had taught me another language when I was little. It would have helped me so much. I really think all kids should know at least two languages.
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