How do Americans interact with multilingualism?
“Many Americans have long been of the opinion that bilingualism is ‘a good thing’ if it was acquired via travel (preferably to Paris) or via formal education (preferably at Harvard) but that it is a ‘bad thing’ if it was acquired from one’s immigrant parents or grandparents.” -Fishman
How is multilingualism interpreted in pop culture?
How might the woman’s question be problematic for the greater global community?
How has English taken precedence in foreign education policies?
China:
Learning a foreign language in lower secondary and general upper secondary education can promote higher levels of interest and proficiency in its subject matter. The percentage of students learning English exceeds 90%.
Netherlands:
English language is taught during primary school as a precursor to further English study in secondary school, which is mandatory.
Japan:
Japanese universities are rapidly internationalizing curricula; every Japanese high school and university student studies English.
Korea:
Has an elementary English program to accelerate the dominance of English in Korea education, resulting in the neglect of other subjects…furthermore teachers have expressed concern about students’ preference for English class, fearing it undermines their commitment to the Korean language and culture practices
What are the benefits of bi-, tri-, and multilingualism?
How do you react to the statement, “English is equal to be learned, or English is equal to knowledge?”
Why is foreign language not an American priority?
Why is this a problem?
What do you think can be done to fix it?
The Immigrant Argument
How do Americans privilege English via the immigrant argument?
Do you think Obama is right?