Dear Reader,
I want to stress to you that what you are about to read might at first seem ludicrous. It is not a common way of thinking that fits into the current zeitgeist of our time.
Multilingualism is a most amazing accomplishment! In our global world, why not have individuals that can speak more than one language? The current zeitgeist is that this could only be a positive thing, so much that we should require it. Foreign language should be learned in a classroom at the earliest stages of schooling. If you don't think this you must be a redneck American that only wants your precious English language on the forefront. Am I right!?
I'm here to question this zeitgeist and argue that foreign language should only be required if we all agree that calculus should be required. Foreign language is more difficult, for some, as is higher level math. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses neurologically speaking.
For some, visual learning is a strength and arguably just as important as auditory learning. A common learning difference, dyslexia, is my main focus of why I don’t think foreign language should be a requirement. Dyslexics should really be known as visually gifted. These students have strengths for visual learning which we should be building on. Dyslexics have other neurological strengths including spatial reasoning that are not being challenged when required to take foreign language. So why should we demand that all students take foreign languages as this isn't the neurological strength of some?
I am questioning forcing foreign language for three years in high school and further requirements into college. I am also questioning the current zeitgeist that multilingualism is good for everyone. It's not beneficial to everyone.
I stress the word, everyone, as it is beneficial to the majority of people. Estimates of the minority population that this requirement might not be beneficial for are as high as 20%. What about the minorities that have neurological gifts located elsewhere in the brain, yet spend so much time trying to access the language and auditory centers? We should be respectful of all neurological gifts people bring into this world!
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I told you that what you read in this introductory letter could be contradictory to popular belief. I urge you to keep reading!
Thank you for your time,
Kelly Hanson
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1. Kaufman, 2013, p.64
2. Eide, 2011, p. 49
3. Shaywitz, 2003, p.318
4. Shaywitz, 2003, p.30
5. Lightbown & Spada, 2013, p. 29
6. Shaywitz, 2003, p.45
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Debate
Let's have a debate! I would love to share the positive and negative experiences during foreign language acquisition. For the majority of people, this is a positive learning experience. However, for most linguists, learning differences are out of scope. The minority doesn't even make the textbook in our language acquisition books.
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Interview
Next, I would like to interview my son, Logan, who has had experience in a dual language classroom. My son is dyslexic and I would like you to hear his perspective when trying to learn another language. My argument is to drop the foreign language requirement mostly for dyslexics because that is what I know and live. I know that other unique brain wiring differences could also benefit from losing this as a requirement.
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School Brochure
What about those that have to learn a foreign language but are also in the 20% of dyslexic minorities? Will they be successful? Is there hope for people that learn differently in foreign languages? Yes, there is! Let me share a unique learning approach in a school for dyslexics.
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Advice Column
I would like to share with you some alternatives to a foreign language requirement. We don't just learn about culture through language. We also learn about culture through science and art as well. We don't have to get rid of foreign language altogether, nor do we need to make sure everyone stays in a cultural bubble. I will give advice and options.
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PTA Newsletter
I would like to share a PTA newsletter of the different class alternatives that the school could offer. Within this newsletter will remain foreign language as a choice but not a requirement.
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