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Press ReleasesTo Portland Public Schools: Language Immersion Education is Crucial! June 14, 2010
Portland Public
Schools
Re: Importance of Spanish immersion programs
Dear Portland Public School Board:
I was recently informed that Portland Public Schools is considering eliminating its Spanish immersion programs at the primary levels. In response, I write to you in my multiple capacity as:
Bilingual education is of growing importance in the current climate of globalization and international trade. For too many generations, American children have been raised in an insular and monolingual system that often fails to open minds and hearts to the greater cultural and linguistic diversity that surround us each and every day – even within Portland. As you may know, Oregon is home to a large population of immigrants—people from Mexico and Central America, as well as a growing number of Russian, Ukrainian, Romanian, Vietnamese, Korean and other immigrants. In addition, participation in the global economy has become increasingly essential to local companies. In 2008, Oregon exported $19.4 billion in products – up 17% from the $11.2 billion exported in 2004.
In order to build a bright future for Oregon and the United States, it is crucial that today’s children be educated to communicate cross-culturally and internationally. I am certain that you have read many letters extolling the virtues of beginning language training at the crucial young age when children are still learning so rapidly and are receptive to new “foreign” concepts. I shall not belabor that point, but I can tell you that I have been a witness to this in my own life and my son's.
For decades, Europe and Asia have outpaced the United States in terms of foreign language education. The current economy only underscores the urgency of teaching children and adults a second language in order for our country to remain competitive and conduct international trade. Even in my 14 years as a professional translator, I can tell you that demand for two of the world’s oldest professions (translator and interpreter) is sharply increasing. Every year, the American Translators Association promotes free “outreach” opportunities to give schoolchildren a glimpse of our valuable careers in the language services industry. The best and brightest linguists usually rise to the top to become true professional interpreters or translators. That formation is best started very, very early in life. In 2003, The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Security Administration lamented, to a conference of a thousand translators and interpreters, the shortage of qualified Americans to fill the United States government’s need for linguists to protect and serve our country.
Portland Public Schools must realize the value of bridging these communication gaps. For what other reason would PPS enter into a contract with At Your Service International to provide interpreter training? If that communication gap can best be bridged by language professionals, these language professionals must start their language learning somewhere and at some early age. What better point than kindergarten immersion courses?
I welcome an exchange of ideas with you about language immersion schooling or language careers. Furthermore, I would be happy to give or arrange for a presentation to be given to the school board or to a classroom of students on the topic of careers as a language professional.
Best regards,
Virginia Anderson Translator: French - Spanish - English
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Press Releases
