What language do you learn in America?

  • Context: Lingusitics 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the languages that are mandatory or commonly learned in American schools, comparing it to language education in Canada and other countries. Participants explore various language requirements, preferences, and experiences in different regions and educational systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that there is no federal requirement for foreign language education in the U.S., but many high schools require students to complete a certain level in a language, with Spanish being the most popular choice.
  • Others argue that in northern states, French is often the default secondary language, although some suggest that Spanish may be more popular in practice.
  • One participant shares their experience of learning Spanish and German, highlighting the variability in language requirements across different states and school systems.
  • Another participant expresses a belief that foreign languages should be taught from an early age, citing personal challenges in learning Spanish later in high school.
  • Some contributions mention the popularity of languages like Latin and Russian in Canada, contrasting with the U.S. context.
  • Humorous and informal comments about regional dialects and languages, such as "Redneck" and "Jive," are made, indicating a playful take on language education.
  • Several participants express a desire for more universal language education, including sign language and even fictional languages like Klingon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which languages are most commonly taught or required in American schools, with multiple competing views and personal experiences shared throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Language requirements appear to vary significantly by region and school district, with some participants noting that their experiences may not reflect broader trends. There is also mention of differing educational systems in other countries, such as the UK and Canada.

  • #31
only in california

i took two years of german, and two years of mexican in high school. later as an adult i taught myself some swahili, finnish (my first husband was), and a couple others with not too much success.

my new 27 year old step-son is learning chinese. a branch that is very beautiful, panther something and as he learns he'll teach me.

i took only one year of english in high school (poetry, sports literature, sci-fi and one other). it wasn't required beyond one year. they had just a brilliant idea and ...some pilot program replaced the old curriculum. sure it was phun, but sheesh!

(!xck)
 

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