children at the age of 7 having to learn a foreign language it is going to be compulsory?

Question

who thinks that this is a good idea, i dont but what do you think out there

Answer 1

i think its wrong they need to learn proper English first.

Answer 2

In countries where several languages are spoken, teaching children those languages in school will assist in maintaining a high quality.

However, to teach a foreign language just to provide further stimulation for students is an expensive proposition. The school authorities would have to ensure that the program is properly supported - with staff and learning materials. There are other ways to enrich their learning experience. I recommend putting funding into proper music programs.

Then there is the issue of context. If students will have opportunities to use and practise those languages in their daily lives, they will learn effectively.

As for the age of the language learners... young children are very good at picking up new languages.

Answer 3

I think it's a wonderful idea! Children are like little sponges-especially when they're young and will soak up any and all information that you give them. Children in multi-lingual families seem to cope perfectly well-being fluent in two languages by 3 or 4 years old, never mind 7.

Having spoken to friends who have travelled abroad with their children for long periods of time they have said that within a few weeks the children have the basics mastered and by the time they are in a country 6 months they are more than adept enough to get by on a day to day basis.

We moved to Wales and Welsh is compulsory over here-my son(who just so happens to be 7) thinks it's wonderful that he's learning Welsh and is intent on trying to teach all of us.

I can see where parents may worry that it will increase the pressure on their children academically-especially if they are struggling in their native language-but we are one of the few countries that doesn't positively encourage a second language and long term it would be of enormous benefit to them.

Let's just hope that when it's implemented they choose practical languages as opposed to Latin which was taught when I was younger!

Answer 4

We are one of the only countries that don't require our children to learn a foreign language at a young age. That is why when Americans travel, we can go to other countries and most of the people there can speak pretty good english.

Answer 5

I think it's a very good idea. Learning a foreign language helps all around with language in general (i.e their native tongue as well), through the basics of structure, grammar, tenses etc.

Children in other countries learn foreign languages at schools at an early age (mainly English) and by the time they leave school they're fluent.

Not only will it help them in the wider world, it could also help with respecting other languages and cultures. I wish I had the option of starting earlier.

Answer 6

I think its a great idea, the best age to learn a foreign language is as young as possible.
My son has been having French lessons since the age of 3.

Answer 7

if you have never lived in a foreign country, then you would think english is the center of the universe. it is not... multiple languages should be learned as young as possible. in fact, 9/11 could have been prevented if someone could have translated all that farsi or middle eastern language if there were enough translators of that language. the world knows our language of english, but those of us who do not will never trully understand other cultures, other economics. can u imagine if you owned a business and u your products would sell exponentially if you had the market for it... say, in the case of china. and if u had no one to conduct and translate the transaction between you and that foreign country and u had to rely on their translator, u would be at a major disadvantage. and that's just the tip of the iceberg... the best metaphor would be as if you had no computer literacy and u try to exits inthis world of america. u would be marked as ignorant, and if the u.s. does not support second or third language skills for their elementary or middle schools in the next 30 years, our economy will be wagging way behind that of europe and asia....and we will be the third world country.

Answer 8

I think that European languages are a basically good idea and certainly tick the 'second language' box, but in reality Mandarin would be a more useful option. Also there is research which suggests that a tonal language learnt early (such as Mandarin) can help a child with learning music (it will help retain their perfect pitch). I think anything we can do to educate and stimulate our children is good, so long as they have good quality teaching rather than overload them in a bid to be 'pc' in trying cover all the bases and spread it all too thinly

Answer 9

I think it is good, all my kids were taught french and spanish at primary school and it has been a big help to the older two on transition to secondary school. It has helped us out on holiday etc. My older daughter now also takes German. She has an ability to pick up languages easily and is doing this in her spare time!! I wish I had the ability..............but in my day!!

Answer 10

Great idea. In the future global market,another language or two will be a great asset