We English speakers are really at a disadvantage. If we decide to learn a modern language we really have to put a lot of effort in and make up our minds to do it. We are not drilled in languages from a young age the way children in other countries are.
Even remote African countries like Malawi, where there is limited funds for education, and where people are poor and will most likely never escape poverty, the children are speaking pretty good English. It amazed a traveller who happened to spend some time in a remote village there.
For the English speaking child, learning a few words in a modern language is a fun side activity, something put into a game, or maybe even an afterschool club. Even though English speaking children are just as capable of learning a language as any other child, they just are not given the chance.
It is a pretty big task taking on a foreign language as an adult or older student. The brain simply does not take everything in the way it would have as a child. It is not impossible, but takes quite a bit of effort and commitment, not to mention expense and time. People who have to learn English also have the advantage of most likely being expose to English speaking entertainment from a young age, where English speakers have to seek out the same sorts of materials in a foreign tongue.
Modern languages should be seen as a practical skill learned alongside other subjects in the normal educational development of a student. Yet lack of opportunities to be truly exposed to a language and not enough emphasis in the national curriculum mean that English speaking children are truly missing out.
Even remote African countries like Malawi, where there is limited funds for education, and where people are poor and will most likely never escape poverty, the children are speaking pretty good English. It amazed a traveller who happened to spend some time in a remote village there.
For the English speaking child, learning a few words in a modern language is a fun side activity, something put into a game, or maybe even an afterschool club. Even though English speaking children are just as capable of learning a language as any other child, they just are not given the chance.
It is a pretty big task taking on a foreign language as an adult or older student. The brain simply does not take everything in the way it would have as a child. It is not impossible, but takes quite a bit of effort and commitment, not to mention expense and time. People who have to learn English also have the advantage of most likely being expose to English speaking entertainment from a young age, where English speakers have to seek out the same sorts of materials in a foreign tongue.
Modern languages should be seen as a practical skill learned alongside other subjects in the normal educational development of a student. Yet lack of opportunities to be truly exposed to a language and not enough emphasis in the national curriculum mean that English speaking children are truly missing out.
About the Author:
Andrew North is a widley respected writer who has been writing for 5 over years often writes on Translation Services and a wide range of other subjects.
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