French, along with all language study, is important to schools because it gives students a view into the life of a different culture. “French… is spoken in more than fifty countries; it is not just the language of Paris, but has many regional and local idioms that translate different sensibilities, and it thus important vehicle of diversity (Lionnet 1253).” French language and culture can be found all over the world in different countries and regions. Learning French is a way for students to immerse themselves in a different life that they experience from day to day. Although as a country, we have made vast strides in becoming more globally immersed by studying languages beyond our own; we are still miles behind other parts of the world such as Europe. Nigerian Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka stated that the United States is “one of the most insular, mono-linguistic communities (Lionnet 1252).” As one of the most powerful countries in the world, it is absurd that most of our citizens lack the ability to communicate in more than one language. We should strive as a nation to understand those around us. “This is a great opportunity for language departments to teach languages not just as expressions of one or another narrow national culture but as instruments of communication that are first and foremost transcultural and transnational (Lionnet 1252).” We as a country are constantly interacting with other countries. How better to raise our future generations than to immerse them early in cultural diversion (Hinkel xii).
Reviewing the past of modern language studies reveals how imperative it really is to the world. French, along with other modern languages, has previously been regarded as useless in the classroom. It was not until World War II when educators and especially military personnel found a substantial use for it. I believe that this instance shows us the importance of understanding and knowing the French language. If no one had ever studied French or any other foreign language, United States history probably would not be the same it is today. Finding reasons to support the necessity of having language taught in the classroom is vital for keeping this study fluent in secondary schools.
In the past, controversy has continuously been regarding the why behind language education. More recently, the controversy has shifted to how we should teach foreign language and what methodologies work best. Different language programs such as those we first saw in the 1950s known as the St. Lambert model and Magnet schools have started to make reappearances. Heritage Language Learning programs have also made an appearance. Heritage Language programs allow minority students who at home may speak a different language to further develop that language at school. These schools may also provide classes so that the majority students are able to learn the minority language as well. This type of program allows all students to look into a different culture as well as study their own (Hinkel 10). Programs vary from district to district depending on funding and interest. Most commonly, when foreign language is available in schools, especially at the secondary level, language is simply another class period. Of course, these classes are typically less efficient than full immersion programs but, that does not mean they cannot be efficient as well. With the innumerous methods of instruction in these secondary settings there is not one that could be titled as “the best way.” Throughout time, different methods have proven popularity such as the audio-lingual methods during World War II (Hinkel 541). Methodology is a huge part in any classroom and I believe that the method used to deliver material plays a key role in student comprehension.
As a teacher, the methodology behind each lesson is extremely important because it plays such a vital part in how the students learn. Throughout the years, different methods have been tested and used. From all this study, one thing is certain: “Dual language approaches need a firm footing in educational effectiveness as well as second language learning pedagogy (Hinkel 7).” Learning a second language can be a challenge for many students and it is important to note that to the students, French is just another subject. Whatever methods that are chosen need to be effective for all learners. French and all modern languages have gone through the ups and down of our history with us and it is crucial that they stay in our education systems far through our future.
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