It’s alright, Utah. We are happy that you are taking massive action with your language immersion programs. Effectively jumping on the latest trend in bilingual education. It is important and it affects us all.
Language immersion programs are advancing at full speed in Utah.
Educators are now looking to rapidly expand dual language programs and language immersion programs due to the decline in protests against bilingual education.
Language immersion programs are a technical education that promotes the development of bilingual children through instruction solely in the minority language while they are in school. Think One Parent One Language… but with only one parent; teachers).
Utah has embraced the idea with unlikely fervor, despite being the state that routinely ranks last in the nation for education spending, according to US Census figures. To make it even more interesting, Utah passed an “English only” law in 2000. They have since changed their minds.
The English-only law, which was passed in Utah in 2000, allows exemptions only for public health and safety, legal proceedings, education, and tourism.
Salt Lake City Republicans, who see language immersion programs as a catalyst for Utah to become a bigger player in the world economy, have pledged millions of dollars for the program. The popularity of these programs continues to drive demand.
Language immersion programs began in Utah about four years ago, however they have only recently grown in popularity. 14,000 students are currently enrolled with options in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin; German and Arabic are next on the docket. These programs start in first grade and go through middle school. Successful students can study college language courses throughout high school.
20,000 students are already enrolled for next year; nothing short of amazing. That constitutes a 43% increase in the overall numbers year-over-year. In business, that’s something to get pretty excited about.
Language immersion programs continue to pop up across the country and are growing just as fast in metropolitan areas around the world. Even in the upper Midwest, where I’m from, the shows are catching on. I have relatives who have enrolled their children in these programs in cities like Minneapolis.
Like it or not (we like it!), globalization is taking hold. China is becoming a power in the world and the Middle East is increasingly affecting our daily life; everything from oil to cultural issues to wars. If we want today’s children to compete in this global economy, we must encourage global citizenship and raise bilingual children.
I’m excited to see where this all goes. Hopefully, language immersion programs aren’t just the new fad and are here to stay. Aside from the many benefits of being bilingual, and this is NOT a complete list, knowing another language is very personally rewarding. I leave you with a quote from Mr. Nelson Mandela:
If you speak to a man in a language he understands, it goes to his head. If you speak to him in his language, he touches his heart.
Well said Nelson… well said. We want our future leaders to be able to connect with the rest of the world, so let’s get started today!
Living Bilingual Author Jeffrey Nelson
