Second Language Ed.

On language in schools, I think that there should be a range of languages that best reflects the area the school is in. For instance, the kids I went to school with were mostly of Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, or Mexican descent. I would have loved to have learned Tagalog (since I am half Filipino). Unfortunately no, there is no Tagalog instruction in any level of school.

Having languages reflect the cultures that are present in the area would give those people who are say, Filipino and don’t speak it a chance to learn a little more about their history. I know that in my Spanish class here in my university we also learn about Hispanic culture. So, culture could be taught along with language, which would give kids a taste of different cultures (something that is lacking in many US schools).

In New Zealand, they teach elementary Maori from 5 years old and up, but that’s a very recent implementation, and not a very seriously dedicated one. (i.e. once they hit High School, it’ll be pushed aside, and French will be a more likely curriculum option)

I have no clue what they do here in Australia.


“So what you are telling me, Percy, is that something you have never seen is slightly less blue than something else that you have never seen.”

GuanoLad said:

…After you’ve spent a month insisting that we draw the distinction betweeen Ennzed and the Oz! :wink:

skupla: Now that I think about it, the TV thing is actually a really good idea.

I gotta start doing that before I completely forget German.

Now, where do I get German DVDs?