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I envy those who can communicate in more than one language. I can not claim that distinction, although I do understand a lot of French. It is an important language (and part of our culture) in Canada, and we do get a good opportunity to learn the language as part of our education. But I can not go very far conversationally, which does limit things to a degree. And even though both my parents could speak Italian, they didn't try to teach us......although sometimes my older Sis could pick out things they were saying, when they tried to keep their conversation to themselves.
But even though we prefer to be like everyone else when we are young (and not waste time with extra seemingly unnecessary education), it sure would have been nice to have been able to speak fluent Italian as I grew older. Come to think of it, my Mother was a fantastic pianist and my Dad was an excellent carpenter, and I don't remember too much training there either. But that was long ago, and parents were not as involved in the good old days.
I digress......but I really think those with an extra language (or more) under their belt are much better off. Think of the benefits of going to other countries and being comfortable in your language surroundings! And think of the widened job opportunities for those who are proficient in another language (or more), especially in this age of global interaction! Such a valuable skillset!!
Sometimes it's foolish of us to mock anyone who has broken English for example, and yet they are doing their best to communicate in a language outside their own comfort level. So what if they aren't perfect at it. They get by. Good on them!
I would imagine that in the USA, a lot of folks have at least an appreciation for Spanish. Is that widely offered in schools across the Country, or is it more concentrated in specific States? I thought the latter. In Canada we have a distinct French province - Quebec, but we have French communities in many parts of Canada. Where I live, in the Central Prairies, we actually have the largest French population in one local centre - St. Boniface, outside of Quebec. Overall, if you want your kids to learn French in this country, you can pretty much "immerse" them into it.
Clearly, Louisiana has a real French identity, and there is a very real link with that State and Canada, in terms of French "roots".
Further to....there are well-based ethnic communities that populate this and other countries, where traditional language mix very nicely with the official languages, and in my mind, make countries richer in so many ways.
Anyway, I just want to salute those who have more than one language to draw from. If you get the chance to learn, just go for it. I often wish I had been taught by my parents, or taken a course or two since school days. Again, it's a very powerful tool, whether it be on vacations, for a job, or when someone needs some directions/help when in your locale. For those who can speak more than two languages, that is really heavy duty stuff!!
And folks, for what it's worth, it can be attractive when someone can handle more than one language with ease.....
(just sayin)
But even though we prefer to be like everyone else when we are young (and not waste time with extra seemingly unnecessary education), it sure would have been nice to have been able to speak fluent Italian as I grew older. Come to think of it, my Mother was a fantastic pianist and my Dad was an excellent carpenter, and I don't remember too much training there either. But that was long ago, and parents were not as involved in the good old days.I digress......but I really think those with an extra language (or more) under their belt are much better off. Think of the benefits of going to other countries and being comfortable in your language surroundings! And think of the widened job opportunities for those who are proficient in another language (or more), especially in this age of global interaction! Such a valuable skillset!!
Sometimes it's foolish of us to mock anyone who has broken English for example, and yet they are doing their best to communicate in a language outside their own comfort level. So what if they aren't perfect at it. They get by. Good on them!
I would imagine that in the USA, a lot of folks have at least an appreciation for Spanish. Is that widely offered in schools across the Country, or is it more concentrated in specific States? I thought the latter. In Canada we have a distinct French province - Quebec, but we have French communities in many parts of Canada. Where I live, in the Central Prairies, we actually have the largest French population in one local centre - St. Boniface, outside of Quebec. Overall, if you want your kids to learn French in this country, you can pretty much "immerse" them into it.
Clearly, Louisiana has a real French identity, and there is a very real link with that State and Canada, in terms of French "roots".
Further to....there are well-based ethnic communities that populate this and other countries, where traditional language mix very nicely with the official languages, and in my mind, make countries richer in so many ways.
Anyway, I just want to salute those who have more than one language to draw from. If you get the chance to learn, just go for it. I often wish I had been taught by my parents, or taken a course or two since school days. Again, it's a very powerful tool, whether it be on vacations, for a job, or when someone needs some directions/help when in your locale. For those who can speak more than two languages, that is really heavy duty stuff!!
And folks, for what it's worth, it can be attractive when someone can handle more than one language with ease.....
(just sayin)
Center, 3. OT
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