The following has been attributed to Newt:
We should replace bilingual education with immersion in English so people learn the common language of the country and they learn the language of prosperity, not the language of living in a ghetto."
If this quote was indeed something that Newt came up with, well, I have to agree. Sorry. Yes, I know Newt is scum but he has a valid point.
When immigrants came here in time past, there was no "bilingual education." I am not sure if I would be in favor of a complete phase out but perhaps limiting "bilingual" classes to no more than one year per student. Why? The whole "program" is a drain on resources. English is, like it or not, the language of the U.S. It is the language of the historical victor. It is the language of commerce. It is, as quoted above, the common language of the country. That is just the way it is.
Every student should learn more than one language. If a student comes here fluent in Spanish, then they have a leg up already. English language speaking students should learn a language that will be useful. Arabic, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, German, and Farsi come to mind. Spanish should of course be offered as a choice to the English speaking student but it perhaps should not be "sold" by school counselors as the most useful. It is the language of poverty. It is the easy way out.
It is a fact that Spanish is the language of a goodly portion of the "third world." With the exception of Spain itself, it is the language of the poor and downtrodden. Spanish speaking students should be immersed in the English language and English speaking students should be aware that Spanish is of little use in the real world. It is nice to know of course but certainly not necessary.
H/T to that fruitloop over at bayareahouston.blogspot.com
2 comments:
That all depends on your location (Spanish as 2nd language), down here in south Texas, its related Tex Mex is very handy. Sure, you aren't needing it if you are running in the high social circles, but if stuck in a ditch in a rainy night, don't you think some Spanish may come in handy?
A person should at least know at least 50 - 60 words and / or phrases to get around. Colors - directions - breakfast ingredients - that sort of thing. Not anything to build a friendship on, just phrases that gain you important information on locations.
I suppose so but as far as an in depth study of the language....? OK if one wants to I guess. I suppose if one is in the food service industry or constructin then it would come in handy.
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