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Language Tuition

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A poll about teaching children languages; which ones, which methods etc.
Do you think children should be taught languages other than their first?
Yes, absolutely
I suppose it's a good thing
I don't really care
I don't think it matters
No, there's no need
No, it's wrong
If yes, at what age?
At the same time as learning their first language
As a toddler (between 1 and 3 years)
3-5 years
6-8 years
9-11 years
More than 12 years
How many launguages should be taught?
Just the mother tongue
One language
Two languages
Three languages
Four or more languages
Which category of language (apart from the mother tongue) do you view as most vital?
Global languages
Indigenous or native languages
Languages that many immigrants to that country speak
Pidgin languages, slang or children's languages (like backslang)
Which global language is most important for children to know (for the sake of originality i've excluded English)?
French
Spanish
Chinese
Hindi
Arabic
Do you think it's important for children to learn indigenous or native languges?
Yes- children should learn the language of their ancestors because otherwise the community's identity would erode
Yes- children should learn the languages of their ancestors to respect the dead
Yes- children should learn the language of an indigenous group that they do not belong to in order to respect original inhabitents
Yes- children should learn the language of an indigenous group they don't belong to in order to reverse the cultural erosion of the community by colonisation
No- we need to be forward thinking and not dwell on the past
Only children of indigenous communities should learn indigenous languages
No- teaching indigenous children their native languages will only reinforce their differences (and consequently disadvantages).
No- teaching non indigenous children indigenous languages is unfair because it ignores their own linguistic culture
What, in your opinion is the most effective method of teaching languages?
Complete immersion (mother tongue is not spoken at all)
Partial immersion (time is split, in whatever ratio, between the language being taught and the mother tongue)
Certain subjects being taught in that language
Learning all simple vocabulary in all languages being taught
Introducing it in formal lessons; paying attention to grammar
Introducing it in informal ways (eg, during physical education or casual conversation)
Offering rewards for speaking, carrying out tasks etc. through the medium of the language(s) being taught.
Another method
What can be done to encourage children to actively seek out other languages and learn them with enthusiasm?
Make it 'cool' by teaching curses and slang
Make it fun by introducing children to media and activites in that language(s)
Tackle issues that are close to the children's heart through this language
Make them aware of the oddities of language in general, then be specific
Reward them with physical prizes for achievement
Praise them for acheivement
Do you think that the issue of language teaching is taken seriously enough in your country?
Yes, perhaps even too seriously
Yes, we have a good rate of languages being taught
Yes, we are working hard on teaching languages
No, the quality of languge teaching is poor
No, there is not enough emphasis on languages
This poll was created on 2008-03-02 01:48:52 by saluti