this post was submitted on 14 Aug 2023
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When you have to pick a language to teach in, isn't this the best language to teach in though, in a predominantly English speaking society?
I don't think segregating classes into separate language-based ones would be a good idea. That leaves kids not speaking English at home nor at school in an even bigger disadvantage in terms of learning English and we need we need kids of all different backgrounds mixing together so that they may understand and accept one another.
The solution are extra English lessons for both the kids and the parents, and financial support so that the parents can afford the time to learn English at these classes
That's a good solution, yes.
Though good luck convincing governments, that continue to cut funding for important social programs like these, to bother supporting minorities in schools.
And how did that society become predominantly English speaking? You just highlighted the point OOP was making.
English (and French, Spanish, Portuguese, etc) became dominant by pushing the native languages on the brink of extinction through systematic racism. So now that the damage is done, instead of fixing it, we just carry on and deny kids the right to receive an education in their native language? (Speeding up the rate of extinction)
I'm from the UK, we are the natives here.
Though, I would agree in the UK when it comes to other native languages under threat, like Scottish Gaelic and Welsh.
However, I still think in any English speaking country, proficient English is the most important thing a child can learn in order to thrive in modern society. And separating children of different languages is not a good thing, it only makes racism worse. Instead, we should focus on lessons and programs that teach other native languages, to preserve them, and also teach English to those that don't speak it at home.
Teaching and preservation programs have worked well for Welsh and the language is growing once again.