I enjoyed the class discussion about national languages and the threat to national identity. In particular, I am intrigued by the heated debate in the U.S. context regarding Spanish language and bilingual education. A number of classmates have referenced the possibility of economics playing a leading role. Personally, I tend to agree with this theory that as the economic state declines, xenophobia increases and we see a backlash in every way, including the realm of education. I would be interested to see some empirical research that proves this connection.
I was also particularly intrigued by Robin's commentary about her friends in San Antonio and how their living environment has changed so significantly. In my opinion, I think it would be such a valuable and enriching opportunity to be "forced" to learn a second language. However I can also appreciate that it is/was not their particular choice to be relocated to a new environment without actually moving.
I look forward to further discussions addressing this issue.
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Hi Molly,
ReplyDeleteI liked your comments about the U.S. Spanish discussion and tend to agree with you about the economic side of the issue. Also, it's interesting that you'd like (my paraphrase...not your words...) to be "forced" to learn a second language because I had the opposite reaction :-D. It's possibly my stubborn nature, but if someone made me learn another language, I would balk, but if I chose to myself, I'd enjoy it! However, I do see your point. Sometimes we need to be pushed a bit to stretch ourselves.