Monday, February 28, 2005
Learning Foreign and Second Languages at a Young Age - Jamie
One way the diverse cultures of the United States are evident in daily life is through our conversations. For example, when walking in the street of a busy city, we can hear languages from all over the world. While average Americans are able to understand English conversations, they may be frustrated with their inability to understand the other languages flowing around them. If only they had had the opportunity to study a foreign language at a younger age, their feelings of frustration would perhaps be lessened, familiarity with the language would be deeper and an appreciation for it would have developed. Learning foreign languages should be required for children in the United States. If people acquire a second language while still children, this will increase their chances of absorbing and storing more of the language in their brains, creating a better realization of diversity and culture in their surroundings, and preparing them for the experiences they will encounter in the future.