Second language chapt 12

Another interesting part of the chapter had to be the second language section. Ideally I would like to learn another language so I can travel the world much easier without living with the whole language barrier. I have been trying so hard to learn Portuguese for the last 2 years and it is rough when I’m not able to experience the language. There is a huge disadvantage for me being this age and having experienced so many languages already.

            The book went to say how the people who are mot inclined to learn another language is from 7 to 11 years-old which to me seems odd because the ability of our brains even at this age. I understand it is easier to do such things when you are younger and have more of a “sponge like” brain. I also found it interesting that you have languages which are Latin based such as French, Spanish, Italian, etc. that make it so those children have an advantage and almost a foundation to learn English. Those who speak something such as many of the Eastern World languages almost have to make their languages null and void to make it so they can speak English properly.

            Another thing I found interesting was the amount of ESL (English second language) students in America. It was projected we had 43% (public school) of people who are a part of it and 10% of each school. While we do not have an official language in the United States we are forcing the language onto others so we have a basic foundation of our school systems. The book mentioned that there are 6000 languages in the world and that by 2050 there will be less than 1000, which I find remarkable, but I also understand why it would occur and why it should.