[MadIvan]

I have to say I would approach this article with one caveat - the best foreign language to learn is Latin.

Latin helps you understand grammar, and opens up the world of antiquity. Also, studies have shown that American students who learn Latin have higher SAT scores.

So, let's abolish French on the curriculum and put back in Latin and perhaps Ancient Greek.

Regards, Ivan

[Happygal]

- the best foreign language to learn is Latin.

*cough*...ahem. And Irish! ;-)

[Slyfox]

You read my mind as I was writing.

[IYAS9YAS]

Two languages that I've always wanted to learn...Latin and Ancient Greek. It's amazing how many languages can be understood with Latin.

[crystalk]

Spanish is by far the only foreign language for Americans to learn. It is basically Latin, as it developed over 2000 years, but is simpler, easier to spell and pronounce...and like English has become a "good language to speak badly."

With French and German, there is no level of proficiency that any Anglophone is likely to attain, that will result in anything more than being laughed at and thought pathetic, and having the nearest English speaker called over.

With Spanish, it is useful right here at home, has all the educational advantages of Latin as far as etymology etc...and yet opens a whole new world south of the border, where it often IS really needed...now if they would just make Portuguese more similar to it, so that really it might do even in Brazil...

Oh BTW it seemed to be surprisingly useful even in ITALY! What was I saying about it being basically just Latin?

[Desdemona]

So, let's abolish French on the curriculum and put back in Latin and perhaps Ancient Greek.

Finally, something on this thread I agree with. Although, I do like Italian and Spanish. French, OTOH, is a pain.

[KarlInOhio]

Also, studies have shown that American students who learn Latin have higher SAT scores.

That type of effect and cause logic would make any liberal happy. :-).

Through watching foreign films and carefully reading the subtitles, I am making progress on understanding the native language of another country. I'm just confused about why they call their language English. It barely sounds like the language I speak. Fortunately, I am able to decipher some of the words when spoken slowly and clearly.

After three years of high school German, I still remember more German from Hogan's Heros reruns than from school.

[JeanLM]

Ah...A subject I like. I agree with the Latin study proposal. I had 4 years of it and it does what you and others say. It makes you understand grammar and language as an independent thing.

I don't agree with the premise that modern language study is a waste of time. Requiring all students in high school to take a foriegn language is a waste of time, but on an individual basis, acquiring speaking knowledge of another language is a very rewarding experience. I think Mark Twain said," Acquiring another language is like getting another soul". He learned German late in life like I did.

He also said something to the effect that one had to wait for the second act of a Wagnerian opera to get to the verb.

I also believe that language shapes an individual's perception of the world. The exactitude of the German language parallels and probably accounts for their renowned precision.

The most widely spoken language in the world is and will always be broken English, however. For non-English speakers, learning some English is a must.