Should Americans be Taught Spanish Alongside of English beginning in Kindergarte

1. 61

   Peter Leeperposted 12 years ago

   Should Americans be Taught Spanish Alongside of English beginning in Kindergarten?
   
   Should Americans be Taught Spanish Alongside of English beginning in Kindergarten?

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2. 79

   Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

   I think all children should learn another language. That is the time when it is easiest. I believe children in Canada should learn French and those in the US learn Spanish. It is in their best interested for the future to be bilingual.

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3. 73

   Daisy Mariposaposted 12 years ago

   To which "Americans" are you referring? -- Persons living in North America (Canada, the United States, and Mexico)? Or Central America? Or South America?
   
   I think that all persons born in North, Central, and South America should be taught English -- in addition to French (as in the case of Canada) or Spanish. Too many person emigrating to the United States from other countries in America continue speaking Spanish after they have lived in the US for a number of years. They don't bother to learn English.

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4. 61

   Peter Leeperposted 12 years ago

   Thanks for all of your replies.  I thought I would pose the question here after I wrote a hub on the same topic with my opinion and the opinions that I have observed from others through conversation or in the media.  Take a look at the hub, I think I mentioned some of the opinions that each of you have shared so far.  I must admit I am on the side of teaching Spanish to children of the United States.

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5. 77

   LuisEGonzalezposted 12 years ago

   It is my humble opinion that kids should be taught as many language as possible. not only can it be helpful in their business relationsgips but when traveling abroad. Knowledge is helpful no matter what type it is.

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6. 93

   Faceless39posted 12 years ago

   I can only speak for myself.  I speak English only and it's very limiting.  Most people in the world speak a minimum of two languages and it would have been great to start young.  Language is so much harder to learn when you're an adult.

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   hrymelposted 12 years ago

   Yes.  I think it's arrogant for Americans to believe that they have a right to be able to communicate with everyone, simply because they are Americans.  To be a productive member of the global community people need to be able to communicate with as many other people as possible, as well as understand other cultures.
   
   I truly wish that I had been given the opportunity to learn another language at such a young age, and I believe it's important for children to develop an understanding that no country can separate itself from the world entirely.

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   xethonxqposted 12 years ago

   I think the more diversity in education we offer our children the better equipped they will be to live in this world. I vote YES...teach it...and start making education in general a priority for this country!!

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   wilbury4posted 12 years ago

   I think all Englisg speaking countries should teach a second (or even third) language throughout the whole schooling. We are all ignorant where languages are concerned, always expecting others to speak our language.

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    Steve LePoidevinposted 12 years ago

    I think everyone should speak at least two languages. It's difficult to understand a culture unless you speak the language. As far as which language to learn, I guess it makes sense to study the second most common language around you and the earlier you begin, the better. I am English but grew up in Quebec and very happy that I am fairly bilingual. Currently, I am living and working in China where I am struggling to learn Mandarin.

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    evelynsaenzposted 12 years ago

    Learning a second language helps to expand a child's mind. Many children learn 3 or 4 languages from the time they are very young. I think that we do a disservice to our children not to encourage language learning. Of course it makes sense to teach Spanish here in the US because it is the second most spoken language, but it should be taught not only to those children who speak it as a second language but to those who speak it as a first language. It is a shame that children of Spanish speaking parents grow up not being fluent in their native language.

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    mikeq107posted 12 years ago

    Yes! I think they should or at least have the option...spanish is correct me if i,m wrong the No Business language in the world...I learned Irish as my second langauge in school...but honestly looking back if I could change it I would have prefered spanish.....and besides we are now a global community thanks to the internet and its time to think outside the box...Hola Mundo!!! :0)
    
    Migel!!!))

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13. 61

    Hezmyjoyposted 12 years ago

    You know, there was a time when this question would make me angry. Much like my children being forced to wear school uniforms when I took so much time in picking outfits for them each and everyday. Eventually, I realized the benefit it was with them wearing the uniform and how much easier and more economical it was for me.
    
    In learning a new language, would enhance every child just a little bit more in cultural diversity and break down prejudice. Me being angry about the matter didn't change the fact that there are people in America that find it challenging to master the English language. Its not their fault and there is no reason for anyone to be upset that it is a requirement to be bi-lingual to get certain jobs. We all had to learn something to get to where we are. What's one more thing?

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    athena2011posted 12 years ago

    I say yes, because it is the other most commonly used language in the US. It can only make your life easier if you are bilingual.
    
    However, I also think that all of the immigrants coming here who speak Spanish should be taught English as well.

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15. 83

    NiaGposted 12 years ago

    I say yes! I would have loved to have learned Spanish when I was much younger. Other countries offer it to children at a young age. I don't understand why it is not apart of the American curriculum.

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