American indifference to foreign language learning

American indifference to foreign language learning

Junguk Spurrier

This paper examines why America has such negative attitudes toward foreign languages and foreign language learning. In particular, why is French not considered as a prestigious language any more in the United States? First, the author reviews previous literature showing that America used to be tolerant of foreign languages and cultures as a young nation. French was considered as the language of high culture, diplomacy and literature and was widely learned until America became the superpower of the world. Second, the author investigates how Cajun French was labeled as non-high class language as it was widely spoken among blacks and Indians, which further discredited the long-held image that French was associated with prestigious high culture. Third, the author further argues that growing power of United States in the world stage after World War I made its government and citizens alike complacent about foreign language learning. French was even used as a pretentious object of ridicule in recent political discourse. Fourth, a review of related articles establishes that the critical period of foreign language learning is wasted in primary schools in the United States. Finally, it is argued that by changing American indifference toward foreign language learning, United States will benefit from world heritage cultures and its political and economic influence on the world stage. Further case studies about how enhanced foreign language learning program benefits America’s political and economic influence in world stage will convince complacent skeptics around the nation.

Keywords: French, foreign language, American attitude, power, indifference