Newsgroups: sci.lang
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From: williamb@netcom.com (richard belcher)
Subject: Re: English in France
Message-ID: <williambDMn0KF.7GE@netcom.com>
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)
 
References: <822094788snz@storcomp.demon.co.uk> <DM3wsy.BEn@exeter.ac.uk> <elnaDMFoG1.FJ7@netcom.com> <4fd8h1$k5v@chleuasme.francenet.fr> <sdelsolDMLpuB.KoG@netcom.com> <824074709.8717@intlog.demon.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 1996 00:41:03 GMT
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Sender: williamb@netcom10.netcom.com

: >Marc Bonnaud <mbonnaud@francenet.fr> wrote:

: >>
: >>>>
: >>>>Personnally I think it is vital for every european to learn one or two
: >>>>languages spoken elsewhere. Everyone ought to speak english: I am French,
: >>>>and it is not an impossible thing to do. why re-invent the wheel, I think
: >>>>english is already a major international language.
: >>>>

: >In the world of tomorrow - everyone is your neighbor.   America needs
: >to expand her horizens.  Why not begin by teaching our children more
: >languages?  It can only benefit them in the future - I'm for French as
: >a more prominant language in business.  Besides, it's beautiful - who
: >couldn't use a little more beauty in their day??  

  Actually I took 3 years of French in high school, but now  could kick 
myself for not taking Spanish instead.

   All those who condemn Americans for not learning more languages tend 
to not take one thing into account. America is truly isolated in a lot 
of ways linguistically. You can learn a new language then not have a 
chance to speak it in a natural setting for many years. I have never 
actually been to a place where French is spoken, or even been out of the 
states for that matter, $1400 or more for a round trip ticket to Europe 
is beyond most people's reach.
  I guess what I'm trying to say is most Americans have no need for 
another language in their whole lifetime. Although culturally it would be 
great for them to learn one or two, for the majority of Americans it's 
not really a very practical skill to acquire.

-- 
  People just don't seem to gavotte and mazurka with the spirit and grace 
that they used to.
                                          Richard Belcher
                                          williamb@netcom.com

