The caption reads: "She was answering my questions in English, while speaking to her mother in Japanese, so I remarked how impressive it was that she spoke two languages already. "Well her father is Russian," said the mom, "so she speaks that too."
I think it would be wonderful if our society pushed for youth multilingual programs. It surprises me that in a country with such an eclectic mix of people, some US citizens get upset over the fact that you need to "press one for English." Yes, English is the primary language spoken here. It's also the language of business throughout the world. But I don't believe it should be an expectation that everyone needs to speak it. I can understand why some members of other countries consider Americans to be rude. We expect everyone to speak OUR language. But that isn't always the case.
I give a lot of credit to foreign exchange students who come to college in the US. They're away from their home, their family, and they're taking classes in their second (or third!) language. I can barely understand organic chemistry in my first language!
Speaking a language leads to many opportunities for obtaining a deeper understanding of the world around us. The US should have more programs to teach children a second language at a younger age, when it is easier for them to learn it. I also hope multilingual parents will make an effort to foster an appreciation of multiple languages in their children and teach them their native languages. It is diversity that makes this world beautiful.
Oh, and if you think it's difficult enough to speak one language...you should check this polyglot out!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOiXtWcQ8GI
He understands.
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