First of all, let me just say that this is the personal opinion of L.A. Mama and an example of the choices that her family has made as a result of living in Southern California. This post is not intended to inflame, harm or offend anyone and it is not up for debate. There are other more appropriate blogs and forums to direct argumentative energies.
One of the reasons why we love Los Angeles and surrounding communities so much is because of the rich, cultural diversity that encompasses our everyday lives. According to Wikipedia, the greater Los Angeles area is home to 17,776,000 people from all over the world with more than 100 different languages being spoken. It isn't unusual on any given day in Los Angeles to hear Spanish, French, Italian, Armenian, Hebrew, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian(and many other languages but these are the main ones that we hear)being spoken in the grocery store, bank, library and various other places. It is a beautiful thing and we feel very lucky to be a part of it.
Learning to speak Spanish is mandatory in L.A. Mama's house. Tennessee and California are both being taught Spanish and will continue Spanish instruction indefinitely. Each of them are also required to pick at least one other language to learn. California already speaks Hindu and Sanskrit as a part of his yoga routine, but when he gets older, he may want to choose a different language. Tennessee chose Greek and Italian.
How will they learn these languages you ask? L.A. Mama has had four years of Spanish so she will teach Spanish with supplements from BBC and PowerGlide. Greek and Italian will be through PowerGlide only. I have read that at least one parent must speak the languages with the child on a consistent basis, so guess who will be learning Greek and Italian!! Looks like California will learn Greek and Italian by default.
Why teach children foreign languages: 1)It connects them to the global community 2)They can communicate more effectively with others within their community and globally 3) It increases their IQ 4) It breaks down boundaries and divisions between cultures 5) It teaches them respect for others regardless of language, ethnicity and culture 6)It works towards a goal of oneness and solidarity of humankind...
Click HERE to check out PowerGlide and HERE to check out BBC!
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