Civil society tends to become a sort of artificial reservoir for an endangered species: the democratic intellectual, protected by the international institutions
Quote of the day
 Email & RSSSign up to oD's editorial summaries email:
 NavigationThe World
Our writersPopular ArticlesRecent: |
 |
European and Community Languages
European and Community Languages
The class of 2006 is poorly equipped to take on the globalised world, despite of their high grades. Less than five percent take foreign languages. The UK recently came bottom out of 28 countries in language ability, according to a study. Learning of languages widens the mental horizons. The British education system is depriving its citizens of the possibility of all the wonderful and useful things that come with a foreign language. An English only education leaves our children at a linguistic and cultural disadvantage. It leaves our children behind. Learning a second language at an early age has a positive effect on intellectual growth and enriches and enhances a child
Submitted on Sat, 2006-09-02 21:24
Re: European and Community Languages
Well I agree that it would be better if more young people in the UK learnt a second language. I have to say that my impression is that the reasons you are suggesting this is not especially to enhance the UK education system, but more to ease the hardships of immigration from Pakistan. Personally I would see no problem with Urdu as a second language except that I do perceive that it could be an excuse for many not to try very hard with English. I would be even more concerned that multiculturalism would lead to more separatism rather than integration. It would be fair to point out that Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Bengali would also be potential second languages. And with the likely East European immigrants we should add a lot more.
I disagree with the view that knowing a particular language can change the way you think. This has been debated much by linguists and I used to believe it true. But I have since been convinced otherwise by reading Steven Pinker's excellent books on the subject, especially "The Language Instinct". On the other hand I do agree that knowledge of other languages is good for communications and the learning of a second language does stretch the mind.
Re: European and Community Languages
Hi info_28,englishman,
I agree with you that knowing more languages can "stretch the mind" and "has positive effects on intellectual growth." This is somewhat similar to learning to play a musical instrument, I think. In Canada, a difference has been observed between those who are unilingual and those who are fluent or have a good knowledge of both English and French.
"The class of 2006 is poorly equipped to take on the globalised world, despite of their high grades. Less than five percent take foreign languages."
Well, perhaps those with English as mother tongue are at a disadvantage because they have an advantage. English has become a global language. An academic or a business person from Italy communicating with a German or Kuwaiti counterpart can probably do so comfortably - or only - in English.
The English language has in practice become disassociated from the English people, for example just like algebra from the Arabs or the music of Mozart from the Austrians.
Post new comment |
|
Elections Most discussed articles... |
Posts: 41
Joined: 2003-03-06