Why do the education systems in the U.S. not teach languages to young children?

Question

Research has shown that the human brain looses much of it's innate ability to learn new languages at puberty. But most schools in the United States don't offer foreign language study to children until High School (I know there are some that do, and I congratulate, even applaud them, but most don't).

With world travel becoming more commonplace and businesses becoming more global, it seems to me that we are not equipping our children with the ability to be competitive in the world market. So many times business ventures have failed simply because the people making decisions didn't understand the language and culture of the people they are trying to sell to. We've all heard about the GM disaster trying to market the Chevy Nova in Latin America.

Answer 1

Because too many Americans feel it's not necessary since English is so popular in the world. If they traveled (like I have) they would realize how much more intelligent people are around the world because they normally know at least two languages sometimes a young adult will know 4 or 5. There are studies that prove if two languages are learned at a young age, it is much easier to learn multiple languages later in life. I am an American born and raised but after traveling to Europe I realize that by us not learning a second language we are giving all the other countries an advantage over us.

Answer 2

A lot of students, may be bilingual, if the Parents speak another language at home. It is important that they learn English in School, and there is much to learn, the English language spelling and comprehension, oral and written etc. As you say in High School there is a requirement, for a foreign language, and French, German or Spanish may be available. and one can continue at the College or University level, if one chooses.It is rather an economic problem, that the sales of US goods overseas are not doing as well, as the sales of foreign made products are selling much better here in the USA

Answer 3

I agree. I don't know why a second language isn't taught in elementary school. Those are the years when learning a new language is easier too. It seems the public school system is bent on teaching children about alternate sexual lifestyles, but have neglected to teach children a second language. Most of the rest of the world teaches children a second language. We should step up and get on board.

Answer 4

I have been asking myself the same question for years. I think educators believe that since English is the official language of the world, there is no need to teach a second language. The problem is, most of the public school graduates don't even speak English. They got the hiphop ebonics trailer park slang languages down perfectly, but no more than that. I taught English at a university for two years, and I was astounded at the diminished level of both written and verbal skills of university students while communicating in English.

Answer 5

I dont know why, but really, I understand now, why people from the USA is one of the worst educated all around the world. If you ask to that pple any general education question, only a few (for not say none) will reply it.
About the one that said that english is the "official" language of the world....he he he.......it is not that way..Have you ever thought why other people is more educated than the one fromUSA?
Just because they dont think that are better than the rest.....like you do.
To be educated is a very precious opportunity that all people have.Some of us, tried to take that opportunity....other ones..dumb ones.......think that is not necessary.
I know 3 languages..........and i should be happy, knowing 1 or 2 more. It is not about if is necessary or not, it is about the satisfaction to know that one is trying to be each day a bit better.
By the way.in my country, kids learn foreign languages since the kindergarden, and i agree with that

Answer 6

Interesting how native English speakers here tend to believe that English is the most popular language and even the official language of this planet............ guess they never travelled across the boundaries of their territory........... shame!

Anyway - yes - it's best to learn an extra language when still young. The brain can absorb more information and the mind is still open for new cultures.

With a new language comes a new form of understanding, more broad minded, self-confident young people to face and embrace the future!

Answer 7

Really, it is an excellent idea, bandied about quite often here. The biggest problem now and has been for some time, is the trouble the educational system has just teaching our young math and sciences.

I won't be too long into the future before learning more than one language will be more than just merely important...it will be vital.

Answer 8

In the school district where I grew up, they have never taught foreign languages to children because they do not want to put "extra pressure" on the children. I do not agree with this philosophy.

Answer 9

Better get involved in your school system and get it changed! My daughters have been getting language instruction since third grade.

And the Nova story is not true, it is an urban legend promulgated by marketing text books. Nova is not the same as No Va.

Answer 10

Our main stream education system does not response fast enough to the changing world. While the world is fast to response to the global economical needs, our main stream is taking a bit of arrogance approach. Thinking it is up to the foreigner to learn English instead of us trying to learn others.