SiS Newsletter - March 2010 - Is it enough to speak english
Article Index
IS IT ENOUGH TO SPEAK ENGLISH?
3/17/2010
Not anymore. That is the response received by American students. Today, the consequences of globalization, internationalization and the constant movement and exchange of people (and therefore cultures) around the globe have prompted awareness of the need to speak other languages. This is what is been called “World-languages”. Minor languages in the US such as Chinese, Hindi, Arabic, Korean or Turkish are becoming more and more important. The scenario has changed dramatically. As the economy grows in China, India and Middle East, studying languages becomes a priority.
Of course, European languages are still valued, especially Spanish, which is increasingly being used domestically, but also French, German and Italian.
Programs and classroom innovations emphasize immersion in culture. It is important to reward students for being able to function in a language. National standards and state frameworks have all grown out in the idea of encouraging conversation.
