Language Tuition
Do you think children should be taught languages other than their first?
| 80% (12) | Yes, absolutely | |
|---|---|---|
| 0% (0) | I suppose it's a good thing | |
| 0% (0) | I don't really care | |
| 6% (1) | I don't think it matters | |
| 13% (2) | No, there's no need | |
| 0% (0) | No, it's wrong |
15 voters have answered this question.
If yes, at what age?
| 7% (1) | At the same time as learning their first language | |
|---|---|---|
| 23% (3) | As a toddler (between 1 and 3 years) | |
| 38% (5) | 3-5 years | |
| 15% (2) | 6-8 years | |
| 7% (1) | 9-11 years | |
| 7% (1) | More than 12 years |
13 voters have answered this question.
How many launguages should be taught?
| 7% (1) | Just the mother tongue | |
|---|---|---|
| 21% (3) | One language | |
| 50% (7) | Two languages | |
| 14% (2) | Three languages | |
| 7% (1) | Four or more languages |
14 voters have answered this question.
Which category of language (apart from the mother tongue) do you view as most vital?
| 57% (8) | Global languages | |
|---|---|---|
| 7% (1) | Indigenous or native languages | |
| 28% (4) | Languages that many immigrants to that country speak | |
| 7% (1) | Pidgin languages, slang or children's languages (like backslang) |
14 voters have answered this question.
Which global language is most important for children to know (for the sake of originality i've excluded English)?
| 14% (2) | French | |
|---|---|---|
| 28% (4) | Spanish | |
| 50% (7) | Chinese | |
| 0% (0) | Hindi | |
| 7% (1) | Arabic |
14 voters have answered this question.
Do you think it's important for children to learn indigenous or native languges?
| 53% (7) | Yes- children should learn the language of their ancestors because otherwise the community's identity would erode | |
|---|---|---|
| 7% (1) | Yes- children should learn the languages of their ancestors to respect the dead | |
| 23% (3) | Yes- children should learn the language of an indigenous group that they do not belong to in order to respect original inhabitents | |
| 15% (2) | 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 | |
| 23% (3) | No- we need to be forward thinking and not dwell on the past | |
| 38% (5) | Only children of indigenous communities should learn indigenous languages | |
| 23% (3) | No- teaching indigenous children their native languages will only reinforce their differences (and consequently disadvantages). | |
| 7% (1) | No- teaching non indigenous children indigenous languages is unfair because it ignores their own linguistic culture |
13 voters have answered this question.
What, in your opinion is the most effective method of teaching languages?
| 35% (5) | Complete immersion (mother tongue is not spoken at all) | |
|---|---|---|
| 42% (6) | Partial immersion (time is split, in whatever ratio, between the language being taught and the mother tongue) | |
| 0% (0) | Certain subjects being taught in that language | |
| 7% (1) | Learning all simple vocabulary in all languages being taught | |
| 7% (1) | Introducing it in formal lessons; paying attention to grammar | |
| 7% (1) | Introducing it in informal ways (eg, during physical education or casual conversation) | |
| 0% (0) | Offering rewards for speaking, carrying out tasks etc. through the medium of the language(s) being taught. | |
| 0% (0) | Another method |
14 voters have answered this question.
What can be done to encourage children to actively seek out other languages and learn them with enthusiasm?
| 7% (1) | Make it 'cool' by teaching curses and slang | |
|---|---|---|
| 23% (3) | Make it fun by introducing children to media and activites in that language(s) | |
| 30% (4) | Tackle issues that are close to the children's heart through this language | |
| 7% (1) | Make them aware of the oddities of language in general, then be specific | |
| 7% (1) | Reward them with physical prizes for achievement | |
| 23% (3) | Praise them for acheivement |
13 voters have answered this question.
Do you think that the issue of language teaching is taken seriously enough in your country?
| 20% (3) | Yes, perhaps even too seriously | |
|---|---|---|
| 0% (0) | Yes, we have a good rate of languages being taught | |
| 6% (1) | Yes, we are working hard on teaching languages | |
| 20% (3) | No, the quality of languge teaching is poor | |
| 53% (8) | No, there is not enough emphasis on languages |
15 voters have answered this question.
