Wow. What a condemnation of the “immersion” theory of education, one I have argued against. Surprising to hear someone with so much direct experience weighing in so heavily.
Well, if the SHTF, as I believe it will within 2 years, and America is pushed from the top of the mountain, Singapore will not have to worry about these issues.
Singapore, like Taiwan, is one of the jewels in the crown in the Asian region that the ChiComs want to conquer and will do so very decisively if we do not have the power/influence to protect her.
The ChiComs want a world where everyone speaks Chinese first-and-foremost. Their goal is still world domination.
I took 4 years of Latin and 4 of French and 14 years of English. At 65, my English Language and writing skills are ordinary...just like everyone else I know.
A former girlfriend learned French and English in her Italian high school and college; she has a reasonable command of both languages (her English grammar is better than some at FR), but her native Italian suffers a little.
One of my Marine friends learned Arabic at the Defense language school in Monterey, CA; his English hasn’t suffered. I think a lot depends upon when the language immersion takes place and how often one uses it afterwards.
Well, as someone who has been exposed to linguists and multilingual children from Europe, Asia and America, I wish my own nation had made this mistake....
Learning a second language early gives you a better grasp of grammar and syntax and eases study of any subsequent language.
I honestly would agree to a one time waiver of the Constitution to get this man in the Oval Office for just four years......