Speaking in Tongues

After watching the video entitled "Speaking in Tongues," I am still uncertain as to whether or not I support schools teaching our children another language.  While I see the benefits of learning another language at such a young age when the kids learn from repetition and are hungry for more information, I have strong beliefs that today's kids are in need, now more than ever, on the use of proper English - the native language in America. 

The video made me understand that learning another language would benefit today's generation when dealing with other countries for trade matters, or other business-related matters.  However, my strong belief that today's kids have such badly spoken English is due, in part, to the use of cellular phones and texting, and computers.  Kids have lost the importance of how to spell words correctly, how to speak proper English, and how to communicate in a more personal and professional manner.  Cell phones and computers definitely have their benefits, however, they also have downfalls in dealing with people on a more personal level. 

The video portrayed students whom wished to be able to speak with relatives from earlier generations.  As time passes, the generation/speaking gap will decrease as families will no longer be seeing immigration from other countries where family members do not already speak English when they arrive in the United States.  Additionally, speaking from previous experience, I had two years of a German foreign language class in high school.  While I felt fairly comfortable with the language at that time, I have lost the ability to read or speak German due to the lack of use of the language.  I now feel that my two years could have been utilized better by taking business courses instead.  If we are teaching children how to speak another language at such a young age, how much of that language will they retain by the time they are old enough to use it for business matters?

It is my belief that today's children should be learning English as a main priority and on a continual basis, and enjoy the added benefits of learning another language once the native language has been mastered and is being used properly.  It seems to me that learning another language should be handled similar to an extra curricular activity and be taught outside of school hours for those interested.