Village News – Rick Gray

“In today’s world, monolingualism is a handicap as severe as many physical disabilities. Yet we continue to approach language instruction by drawing it out over several years, using grammar-based methods which require students to think first in English, then translate in their heads. If there were no better way to teach a new language, this might be acceptable. But almost everyone knows there’s a better way. It’s called immersion…”(more)

The Dickinson Press – Editorial

““(W)ith hopes of preparing students for a competitive world economy, the state is building one of the largest and most ambitious school-language programs in the nation,” The New York Times reported in April about Utah.”(more)

Care 2 – Kristina Chew

“Though English is used so widely, there are still many reasons for native speakers of English (among which I count myself) to learn a foreign language. If you’re looking for a summer project, learning a new language — even just the basics! — is one to consider.”(more)

The Herald Online – Armin Brott

“Unfortunately, our education system doesn’t place a lot of value on foreign-language knowledge – for exactly the reasons you mentioned. But in my view, it’s very important.”(more)

Washington Post – Katie Pohlman

“While many kids are spending their summer days at the water park or in their back yards, 40 will be immersed in Chinese language and culture at Gaithersburg Elementary School. “It’s very essential for all students to become global citizens and be able to communicate with the world,” said Huayuan Chinese Academy President Helen Qin.”(more)

The International Business Times – Hannah Osborne

“The reason why some people find it easier to pick up a second language than others is related to the ability to learn patterns, researchers have said.”(more)

The Language Magazine – Kathleen Stein-Smith

“Other than heritage-language speakers, it is estimated that only between one in eight and one in four Americans have the foreign language skills necessary to hold a conversation in a language other than English. According to the Modern Language Association, enrollment in a course in a language other than English at the postsecondary level stands at 8%, as opposed to 16% in 1960 — the same time frame in which globalization has increased.”(more)

The National Student – Sophie Padgett

“It may be true that English is widely spoken, but this does not mean that we can completely give up on foreign languages. Our inability to speak other languages damages our economy and limits our understanding of our European neighbours.”(more)

The Atlantic – Ta-Nehisi Coates

“I experienced my ignorance of words and grammar as a physical distance, as a longing for something that was mere inches away. In that gap, there was all the magic of childhood.”(more)

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages – Staff Writer

“An early start to learning a second language, programs of immersion or dual language immersion, and long learning sequences show strong results in helping all learners…”(more)