NFT: BBI Parents and educators, question about MS language class

I'd tell the kid to take Latin. So much of our language comes from Latin that even though it's a dead language, it'll expand the kid's comprehensive reading ability just by knowing the basic Latin roots. Then, when he/she gets into high school, you can switch to an easier and more useful language like Spanish or Italian.

I'd definitely go for Spanish since that's the 2nd language in this country and Latin America is a growing region with a lot of opportunities. Might go for German if that was offered since with Brexit and the possible weakening of US-EU ties, Germany is going to be a dominant player in finance and business.

The problem with Latin is the kid may really really hate it. And what you're saying is you're stuck with whatever choice you make now.

One thing that has made the situation difficult is that the kids got a visit from the head of the MS language department and she told the kids *they* should pick a language that interested *them*. I was pretty annoyed by that because I honestly don't think most kids will be particularly enamored with any language studies. I'm not particularly inclined to leave this decision up to a 10 year old.

Our youngest has studied German for years so we aren't bothered by the lack of that choice. I definately have my own thoughts on the best choice but I'm interested to hear what others think.

most Germans speak english pretty well.

just look at our country.

it's the root language for many of the more esoteric words and terms in the English language. It's a pain in the ass compared to Spanish but it's the gift that keeps on giving if you can stick it out.

aside from some utility when it comes to legal/business terms, I don't think it was all that helpful. Then again, I'm not sure any language they offered would have been.

None of those choices sound good.

FORTRAN or COBOL. Do it right.

.

It's an elective so let them do something interesting.

Eurocentric?

In comment 13334743 Big Al said:

Quote:

Eurocentric?

that's racist?

Latin is the most challenging, but in MS probably too young to appreciate the benefits. If your child likes foreign language then maybe as an elective in HS or in college look at studying Latin

In comment 13334743 Big Al said:

Quote:

Eurocentric?

The irony being that here in NYC quite a few schools offer Mandarin as an elective, and the vast majority of the students enrolling are of already Mandarin speaking Chinese descent.

Spanish is the most applicable for long-term use, and it's not even close.

Go with French or Italian.

must be really bad compared to other developed countries. Why do so many Europeans know several languages? I was in Italy recently and saw Italian teenagers fluent in Japanese! That is not from the parents speaking it; that must have something to do with how it is taught.

It's the basis for all the romance languages and a good deal of English as well. If you can handle Latin, the derivatives are a piece of cake.

Plus the kid will need it if he or she goes into law, any of numerous scientific disciplines, or maybe even some other professions.

And as a bonus, good Latin courses will include some very worthwhile history and geography as well.

No other choice can match it.

One other thing to consider is where the child will end up spending a lot of time if there is any way to predict that. If he/she spends any time in Quebec or even Louisiana, French is much more worthwhile than Spanish or German.

reality is this is a middle school (probably) introductory class, your child is not going to end this year with enough knowledge to make it difference should they decide to pursue a law degree in 8 years or 9 years and most high schools do not offer Latin (see if yours does) to continue the Latin studies through high school. Nor will they have enough knowledge to navigate Quebec if they take middle school French. But they might decide after this year they like or don't like the language enough to continue to expand their skills and capabilities in the language.

So check what your local high school offers/requires for languages and make sure your child makes an informed decision knowing they may or may not be able to continue learning the language for 4 years of high school.

I took middle school Spanish for two years and then 4 more years I had it in high school since a language was required at my high school and I could speak very and I mean very basic Spanish. Not helpful in any way in a business or life setting, the best it's ever helped with is when someone (maybe my kids) asks "how do you say pencil in Spanish?" for example.

Other countries speak more languages than Americans usually because they have to. right or wrong, most other countries we interact with speak English so it's never been a necessity for American students to learn other languages enough to become fluent.

However in some industries and careers, an American who can speak multiple languages is an extremely marketable skill set. From everything I hear at my current job (a fortune 50 company) and others those languages most often asked about are Arabic and Spanish.

Some good thoughts and I really appreciate the input. I'm all for being collaborative, or whatever it is that includes bringing my kid into the decision, but then again, my kid is 10. I don't ask my kids if they want to brush their teeth or get vaccinated or go to bed on time because they don't really know what's best for them at this age.

My thought was that Latin was a no brainer because it is the foundation for much our Western civilization; all romance languages are derived from Latin and most scientific, medical and legal terminology is derived from Latin. I know that most private schools teach Latin as part of the foundation for liberal arts education.

Its tough because my youngest is really set on Italian which I think is next to useless to learn at this point. I really wish the school hadn't gone straight to our kids and told them the decision was up to them because - you know - they're 10.

The prominence of the Hispanic language and culture in the US is growing at a tremendous rate.

If your child shows an inclination toward Science in high school, I'd say that's the time to study Latin (it's very useful, but it is a "dead language", easy to forget). I was a physics major in college, the two years of high school Latin was handy.

and it really didn't help learning any other languages despite them being romance languages.

I enjoyed the class because it was like half latin and half roman history, but it was of no benefit.

Spanish is easily the best choice, but just let them choose what they want.

You can learn a language from school classes?

of German in HS.

Not sure the Latin helped all that much.

Spanish has the most realistic applications.

As for why do Europeans do so well in languages - their countries are relatively small (size of US states) and border on countries that speak other languages. It is a necessity and the children's parents (or grandparents) speak those other languages. Holland, I think most speak 4 - Dutch, English, German, French and possibly Flemish. So languages spoken at home are easy to learn and maintain.

Think about Conn - if New York, RI and Mass all had their own languages, people in CT would probably speak 2 or 3 of the surrounding languages in addition to their own.