Letter: Hispanic groups gaining ground with pro-Spanish language agenda

Most thinking people will surely agree it is enriching and desirable to speak more than one's primary language, but why immediately turn to Spanish? In the global business world the prime language of finance and commerce is English.

Countries around the globe that want to improve their standing in the world markets have long stressed English or are adding it to their curricula. Why aren't we using English immersion methods for foreign school children, rather than literally pushing our English speakers toward Spanish?

Why not let parents choose the second language they want their children taught? Looking ahead to business world competition and jobs in the coming decades suggests Chinese might be better training for life work at rewarding levels.

Your editorial states "mastering foreign language is a critical skill." That may well be the case, though it is more critical that English be the foreign language mastered by those who choose this country as their home. Why are not videos in English mandated for non-English speakers at the earliest possible age?

I suggest the potential employer you mention would be relieved and grateful if first of all, applicants could speak and write good English. As a "building block for their future," let's give our children a solid grounding in reading, writing and math in English, instead of throwing more money into the system to teach youngsters the language of a country millions have chosen to leave behind for a lifestyle they obviously prefer.

Lois Loren

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