Why kids in America study Spanish? Isn't China America's 3rd largest trade partner? Isn't Japan your No1 partn

Answer 1

There are several reasons for this. First, Spanish is an easier language to learn in many ways than French, German, Latin or Russian both grammatically and phonologically. People trying to satisfy a minimal foreign language requirement will usually take Spanish first, French second.

Secondly, historically, French, German, Latin and Ancient Greek were the only foreign languages taught in the United Staes. Then, in the 1930's President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched his so-called "good neighbor" policy with Latin America. This increased contacts between Americans and Hispanic peoples south of the border, and caused a widespread interest in South American culture and the Spanish language.

While China and Japan have become major economic powers in the world today, there has been less enthusiasm for their languages in American schools as you imply. Part of it is due to the difficulty of the Chinese and Japanese languages but part of it is also due to the fact that the Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese all seem to be very smart peoples who have little trouble learning foreign languages, or at least, a working knowledge of a foreign language.

Most American kids who are interested in taking Chinese and Japanese in school, or college, are the smarter ones, generally speaking. The same was true of the ones who used to take Russian in the 1960's & '70's and Latin before the 1960's. I think it will always be that way.

I respect students who study Spanish because they have a genuine interest in Romance languages, Spanish history or Latin American Studies. I don't have much respect for those who take it just for an easy language credit. These ones tend to be either the knuckleheads or the cowards.

Answer 2

Well, I'm not American, but you have to take into account that the majority of the American population is NOT going to work for a company that will be trading with China (or Japan). Only a minority of people actually work in international business (that's true for most countries in the world, don't you think?). On the other hand, there are a lot of Spanish-speaking people in the US, and they are more likely to ask people to know that language. When they go to univeristy, then they might want to choose Chinese as a foreign language if they decide to do business studies.

Answer 3

Much of the English vocabulary has Latin influences. Living in the USA, you are more likely to encounter Spanish speaking individuals than any other minority. About 10% of the United States speaks Spanish. It is also an easy language for native English speakers to learn, respectively, and once you have learned one new language, it is easier to learn others.

Answer 4

I don't know, but I always thought Canada was the US's largest trading partner.
I think the vast majority of the trade the US does with China involves Walmart products and McDonalds toys that are produced there, so that means very few of the Americans involved have to speak Chinese to carry out those transactions.

Answer 5

actually,as far as exports, it's Canada 23.4%, Mexico 13.3%, Japan 6.1%, China 4.6%, UK 4.3% (2005)
as for imports it goes Canada 16.9%, China 15%, Mexico 10%, Japan 8.2%, Germany 5% (2005)

of course the laguages we teach in school have little to do with the trade partners. as for why teach spanish? spain "discovered" america. the first city in america was a spanish city. indeed, america is a spanish name. why wouldn't we teach spanish?

Answer 6

Spanish and French are the prevalent languages taught in US schools due to the fact that Mexico and Canada are neighboring countries. Additionally, since most school districts have limited resources, the selection of languages offered in the curriculum are very limited. Some districts are limited to only one. When I lived in Texas, the only language offered,(for the most part) was Spanish. The same is true for many Minnesota schools where French is more likely to be offered.

Answer 7

We do border Mexico and there are at least 11 million Mexicans living in the USA. This is one of the first reasons that come to mind. Our area schools also teach German and French. We have local industrial plants that are German based and Canadians are sometimes French speaking. I think in areas that have Japanese based businesses they would teach Japanese. They tend to suit the needs of the area the school is in. Just one person's thoughts on the subject.

Answer 8

Because we're right next to Mexico and other Latin countries. Thousands of spanish speaking immigrants are coming in every day. Spanish is quickly becoming our dominant, primary language.

Answer 9

I totally agree with that. Just because we're close to Mexico, doesn't mean we have to speak their language. Knowing Spanish wouldn't go over too well in the corporate world.

Answer 10

the majority of the US inhabitants speaks spanish better than english.

besides, most contries teach the state language, and a second neighbouring language in schools. Mexico speaks spanish, Canada speaks english, and a little french. So spanish would make sense.