What language would you have your kids learn?

**Lincolns mummy** · 25-02-2011 21:05

I learnt Indonesian throughout high school, loved it!

**Girl X** · 25-02-2011 21:08

Can we only pick one...????

If we can have 3 then French, German, and Japanese.

French and German as they're both useful around Europe (if people don't speak English they usually speak one of those 2 - esp. in eastern Europe).

Aaaand Japanese, as we like going there too, so she'll have lots of opportunities to practise!

And any others! The more languages she wants to learn the better

**lemonpancakes** · 25-02-2011 21:25

I picked 'other'. I think a Euro language like French would be useful if my kids want to travel and work in Europe one day. I'm assuming they're less likely to want to work in the middle east or China. I know I'd pick Europe over those (to live/work in).

**mum2bubba** · 25-02-2011 21:36

Auslan.

**spunkles** · 25-02-2011 21:37

Greek for my kiddies-DP is greek and they pick up words here and there from the inlaws which I encourage (its SO important IMO!) I have so much trouble understanding languages and I think the way that business and globalization is going you cant not know another language. Besides I'd rather my children didnt struggle the way I did/do and its important for them to know their heritage.

I agree that with a PP that Mandarin would be interesting/different to English.

**Sweetfaith** · 25-02-2011 21:53

The best language for a child to learn (well) would be his/her own – a young person that speaks English well will be better placed to make the most of opportunities, not just in their working life, but in their self-expression and personal relationships too. That said, the best foreign language is probably the one the child has an affinity with! I always struggled with German at school but the Latin-based languages came a bit easier. Maybe that's the kind of simple thing that leads to a spark of interest in a place and its people – an enjoyable learning experience may lead to a lifelong affinity with a particular culture. One thing's for sure, I'd hate to be force-fed any old language just because Mum or Dad wanted me learn it.

**aly83** · 25-02-2011 22:42

Mandarin - because DH's family speak it. I'll leave it to DH to teach him because I'm only able to understand a little when it's spoken.

Italian or some other European language. It helps with understanding how words and languages work. I loved learning Italian at school, it would be nice if DS was interested in it but for now he listens to the music. The only way to settle him in the car is play some Italian rock

**delirium** · 25-02-2011 23:03

Out of your list I'd say madarin. DD is being taught the aboriginal dialect for our local tribe atm by elders at her school. The school and our community has a high indigenous pop so I like the idea.

She knows about 15 words now, I'm rather proud

**trishalishous** · 25-02-2011 23:28

we are multi lingual at home, so id pick something like spanish which they wont learn from us.

**TimTamsandTea** · 25-02-2011 23:50

I chose 'other'.

Ideally, it would be a language that they have the opportunity to use outside of the classroom and on a regular basis.

I say this from the perspective of someone who has a european background with parents/inlaws that are fluent in two particular european languages.

Otherwise, I'd be inclined to encourage my children to learn a language based on their interest.

But either way, my children would have to show some degree of strength in English before I'd happily agree to them learning another language.