Texas wants to rewrite the US History books

[Daseal]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Funny how the rest of the world has no problems learning multiple languages, why can't we? Start teaching it at an early age and it won't be an issue. I cringe when I hear people say if you don't know the language here then leave. Kinda goes against what this country was built on in the first place. Aren't we supposed to be the melting pot? With that stubborn mentality we're going to be left in the dust in no time.

Matty. Dead on man. We need to start teaching a second language at an early age to children, like 1st grade early. Children can pick up language much easier than adults. Being bilingual does nothing but give your child an advantage. I don't care if you learn French, Spanish, Latin, or that clicky shit the aborigines in Australia speak. A 2nd language should be mandatory in US schools.

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by Daseal

Matty. Dead on man. We need to start teaching a second language at an early age to children, like 1st grade early. Children can pick up language much easier than adults. Being bilingual does nothing but give your child an advantage. I don't care if you learn French, Spanish, Latin, or that clicky shit the aborigines in Australia speak. A 2nd language should be mandatory in US schools.

I agree with this to a point. Right now, spanish is the obvious choice for a second language, but what happens when another demographic surpasses the Hispanic population's numbers? It's beyond impractical to have multiple official languages. We've all just received our census forms, imagine getting 10 copies of that in the mail, and the associated administrative and fiscal problem it poses. I don't think anyone (anyone rational, anyway) has any issue with what another person speaks socially, just officially. And I think that learning the official language of the nation you are CHOOSING to join is a small price to pay for the myriad benefits you are granted on day one of your citizenship.
The U.S. being the "melting pot" implies that we are a mishmash of diversity, which is a great thing. But there's no reason we should forgo common sense.

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by BleedBurgundy

I agree with this to a point. Right now, spanish is the obvious choice for a second language, but what happens when another demographic surpasses the Hispanic population's numbers? It's beyond impractical to have multiple official languages. We've all just received our census forms, imagine getting 10 copies of that in the mail, and the associated administrative and fiscal problem it poses. I don't think anyone (anyone rational, anyway) has any issue with what another person speaks socially, just officially. And I think that learning the official language of the nation you are CHOOSING to join is a small price to pay for the myriad benefits you are granted on day one of your citizenship.
The U.S. being the "melting pot" implies that we are a mishmash of diversity, which is a great thing. But there's no reason we should forgo common sense.

Spanish is maybe the obvious choice as far as population in our own nation goes. The language of business in America will be in English though, at least big business. If I had a child right now I'd probably rather them learn something from Asia or Europe. Sure Spanish might make it easier to communicate with some kids in school, but more business will be with France (nuclear tech) and Asia (everything). Chinese, Japanese, Korean.. those would be some languages to learn.