Our group interviewed Dr. Marie C. Jipguep. The question that she was expected to give a response to was: Why do you think foreign language programs are not being implemented in US elementary schools despite the increasing emphasis on globalization? She began by saying that the reason she believes this has happened is because of the foreign language program not making sense. However, I find it odd that in places such as Cameroon, where she is from, the students are required to learn French and English, which are the two official languages. Once she entered Junior high school, she, along with the other students, was required to learn one language from one of their colonizers. Dr. Jipguep says that Americans are one track minded. They feel as though they do not have to learn another language because they are pretty much in control of much of the business. Many other countries are not able to neglect learning English because they do a lot of business with the US countries.
She brought up the point that if anyone wanted to incorporate a language program, it would be according to the community, or area, in which the students live. If students live in an area that has many Hispanics and Asians, then those schools will be more likely to incorporate a Spanish course and a course containing an Asian language. I feel as though that idea is smart. It would be pointless for the students to learn a language in which they would never really have to use it on a daily basis. If Chinese people are the majority in one’s neighborhood, then the school would have to teach the Chinese language. It would be only logical to do so. If school systems do not realize that learning another language at a young age is fundamental, then the students may have a harder time picking up on it later on in life.
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