After several barren years in English schools, the UK Government announced today that language learning will become compulsory in schools in the year 2010 from the age of seven. For some reason the same Government allowed the compulsory learning of languages to be dropped in 2004 as it was perceived as ‘unpopular’. It would be interesting to know where the Government learned this view, as I can imagine that Algebra and Geometry could be equally unpopular with some pupils. Does unpopular mean too hard and did anyone explain to these young people so full of potential, what they might be missing?
It is exciting for young children to learn another language, and by therefore by definition the culture of the country of the language and therefore the people. The next question is which languages will be included? The European languages, such as French, Spanish and Italian would be the obvious and the easiest as many of the European languages are based on the Latin language. English is based on the Germanic language, as are the Scandinavian languages, and to some extent on the Latin language. England was one of the Roman conquests and the Romans spoke Latin. Latin is now a dead language, but is still useful to learn as it the base for many languages. Many schools taught Latin some years ago and some still do.
However it may be felt that for getting language jobs, Mandarin would be most useful as a learned language. Mandarin covers most of China and other Asian Pacific countries and like English has many dialects covering large territories. (We have English, Canadian, American, Australian etc). Cantonese is the Chinese language predominantly spoken in Hong Kong, but since that country became part of China, Mandarin is becoming more important. China is fast becoming a world power and it makes sense for us to learn the language.
It’s a great shame for the generation of students just past, who did not have to learn another language, as those coming up will have so many exciting opportunities to be part of the integrated global working world. Maybe more boundaries will come down, as our children’s minds are opened to other languages, countries and cultures.
© languagejobs4u.com 2007
Jane Merrow
http://www.articlesbase.com/languages-articles/languages-at-last-133434.html
#1 by Emperor on August 10th, 2009
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Can a relationship last between a couple who speak completely different languages?
I have seen couples where I can tell that they speak completely different languages and don’t understand each other at all.They do seem happy and I remember seeing a couple that even had their own child and they seemed happy. Maybe that is the secret to happier relationship.What do you think? Can something like that last?Do you know anyone like this?
#2 by Noobman on August 10th, 2009
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Anything can if you take the right turns…
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#3 by John on August 10th, 2009
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Communication is 99% of a realtionship
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#4 by Innocence is brilliant ..<3 on August 10th, 2009
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uuuummm no
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#5 by Dick B on August 10th, 2009
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HA! it would be cool if the kid learned to be a translator.
I think that communication can go BOTH ways in any relationship. In some cases, not enough is terrible! In others, little or none makes for better understanding.
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#6 by Ali H on August 10th, 2009
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My Great Aunt married a man who speaks only Spanish about 7 years ago. She doesn’t speak Spanish… she does however know a little since meeting him. They are so happy. So, yes, I believe it can work out.
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Family experience.
#7 by Millie loves her navy man on August 10th, 2009
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My boyfriend only speaks English and i speak several and were together & we plan on moving in with one another so yeah it can work
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me (:
#8 by Diego Bustamante on August 10th, 2009
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Yo creo que si, todo depende del esfuerzo que cada quien haga. mais, si tu crois que c’est difficil, peut etre tu peux arranger quelqu’un qui puisse faire la traduction, mais eu asho que voce nao precisara d’esso.
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