Foreign Language
Global diversity and brain development in school
by Mimi
Quinn
Speaking
in Tongues, a
documentary by Marcia Jarmel and Ken Schneider, follows four pioneering
American children on a journey to become bilingual at a time when 31 states
have passed “English Only” laws. A film screening and panel discussion of the
movie, hosted by The Rosendale Theatre Collective on February 15, was presented
at an important time for the community.
According to Diana
Zuckerman—a Rondout Valley School District (RVSD) Spanish teacher for grades
K-4 and also a New York state representative for the National Network for Early
Language Learning—the RVSD is threatening to eliminate the K-4 Elementary
Foreign Language Program, which reaches approximately 800 students in
Rosendale, Marbletown, and Rochester.
She believes that the
community must become involved with the possibility of losing a language
program as it develops cultural competency and is critical to prepare young
people in an increasing global society.
“It also allows a
child to gain an understanding that it’s okay to have similarities and
differences—language and bilingualism builds a positive identity for a child,”
she said.
As our nation grows
increasingly diverse and the globe becomes increasingly smaller, there are many
opportunities for children to benefit from one another's wisdom and
experiences.
Changing Brains is a video based on research done
at the University of Oregon dealing with teaching foreign languages at an early
age and its effect on brain function and growth. The video illustrates that “Brain
Plasticity,” a term used for the brain’s ability to change and grow through
experience, can be directly affected by learning other languages.
The studies revealed
that “sensitive periods,” the optimum time for learning new things,
specifically language, is as early as possible in a person’s life. Mastering
sound and language structure during early experiences builds areas of the brain
responsible for language skills. In fact, these vital brain areas start
building while in the womb; and at birth a baby already recognizes his mother’s
voice.
The University studies
showed that learning a second or even third language as early as possible does not confuse a child; in fact they will
speak the second language better than if learned later on.
According to
edutopia.org, learning foreign languages boosts brain development, bridges
cultural connections, and gives an economic edge. The website states that
America, foregoing an English-Only philosophy, is starting to awaken to the
reality that the world of global-language is quickly evolving and being
multilingual is crucial in regaining our measures of competitiveness and
promoting cross-cultural understanding.
The Asia Society is a
leading institution dedicated to cultivating an understanding and communication
between Americans and the people of Asia and the Pacific. Vice President of
Education Programs Vivien Stewart stated, “People talk about their concern that
the US is behind other countries in math and science, but we are much further
behind the rest of the industrialized world in language learning.”
She cited that it’s
not only compulsory to learn foreign languages in most countries, but most
start their children in kindergarten.
Zuckerman said the New
Paltz School District, which was facing the same dilemma as the RVSD, just
announced that they are completely maintaining their elementary foreign
language program.
Posted by Chris Hewitt
on 10:28 AM.
Filed under
Culture Features,
Feature
.
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