what arguments can we present students to speak their NATIVE language faced to the widely spoken english?

Question

i want arguments for a debate on TV for high school students

Answer 1

Comprehension and decoding are two different things. Comprehension speaks to understanding. Students that stop speaking their native language in favor of English become, instead of bi-lingual, bi-illiterate. Education in their native language stops at an under-literate level, yet their command of English is not sufficient enough to continue their literacy growth in English. If they continue to study in their native language in addition to English, then they learn grade-appropriate comprehension skills which they can apply when their decoding of the English language matches their comprehension of their native language.

Answer 2

Speaking your native language gives value to your culture. Studies have shown the when people are told to speak only English they feel shame about their heritage and language and many times their cultural history is lost. English only education denies students who speak another language of an equal opportunity.

Learning to read in the first language helps the students to become better readers. Knowing 2 languages also helps with vocabulary because of cognates and words that are similar. For example; when I teach Spanish the word "mascar" means to chew. Most kids do not know the word "masticate" in English which also means to chew. I teach them both words. It helps to reinforce the vocabulary word in the new language.

The amount of English required for performing abstract educational tasks requires 5-7 years of learning English. This clearly puts students at a disadvantage.

There are many more arguments at the site below. It actually gives you both sides so it could really help to prepare you for the debate.

Good luck!

Answer 3

To keep the language alive.

Many people think and understand better in their native language.

To make the language better known and recognized by everyone, including those who don't speak it.

There is a cultural value in speaking one's native language.