Why Johnny Can Only Speak English
Despite its standing as a world leader, most Americans remain somewhat insular in their belief that learning a language other than English is unnecessary. These notions are deeply rooted in both geography and history, particularly the expansion of the British Empire around the world and the so-called “American Century.”
.
Read the following articles that examine the issue of monolingualism and add your comments (250 words) in the Leave a Reply section below.
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20180808-what-is-the-future-of-english-in-the-us
PDF Files:
What is the future of English in the US? – BBC Worklife
Monolingualism diminishes America’s stature on the world stage | TheHill
.
Think about these questions:
Why do many Americans feel resistant to learning a language other than English? What justifications are often cited to support such a position?
Can Americans really afford to remain monolingual in an increasingly globalized society? How can monolingualism adversely affect Americans?
In countries with large populations and land masses like the United Sates, is learning to speak a second language really necessary? If so, how can learning a second language be a benefit to Americans from the point of view of economics, global leadership, and so on?
How can monolingualism be a detriment to America? Can Americans afford to remain a country in which the majority of people cannot speak a second language?
meigaku-contrasting-cultures 