This way to foreign language learning!
Okay, how about the version on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack? The one with Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa and Pink.
Sadly, for many young Americans, that may be as far as their knowledge of French, or any other foreign language, goes.
Why? Because the U.S. Congress recently zeroed out the budget for The Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP), the only source of federal funding for K-12 foreign language programs.
That’s right.
There is no federal funding for foreign language instruction in public schools.
Nada. Zilch. Sifir. Lìng. والرقم صفر (that last one is Arabic, in case you’re wondering)
So much for keeping up with the rest of the world.
How do you say ‘multilingual’?
Like my fellow language and culture enthusiasts at Multicultural Familia, InCultureParent and Multilingual Living, I feel lucky that I speak a second language.
And luckier still that my Turkish-American kids get to learn three languages.
Being able to speak a foreign language can have a big pay-off.
Better career prospects, higher pay, increased cultural understanding, more educational opportunities — what’s not to like?
But don’t fret. Even if your French doesn’t go beyond those risqué lyrics (hey, they were risqué back in 1975), you and your kids can still learn a foreign language.
Four Free or Low-cost Ideas for Foreign Language Learning
Visit your local public library — Traditional books, audio books, Playaways (self-playing pre-loaded digital media players), foreign films, and commercial language learning programs — it’s all there for the taking, er, borrowing.
Contact civic and cultural organizations where you live — Does your local Department of Parks and Recreation offer language classes? Maybe there’s a free “mommy and me” group for speakers of other languages in your town? Perhaps your library offers story time in another language?
Go digital — Download free translators like Babylon2GO, which translates over 75 languages, or talking translators like TranslateMe or Trippo Mondo to hear how foreign words are pronounced. The award-winning Little Pim is great for young learners of Spanish.
Interact on-line — Thanks to Twitter, Skype, YouTube and educational sites, like ePals, families can see, hear and interact with native speakers of other languages. In the Homeschool Forum at ePals, for example, kids can find pen pals from 200 countries and territories speaking 136 languages. Just make sure you talk to your child about cyber safety, first.
Oh, one more thing:
Get vocal — Contact your Senators and Representatives and urge them to restore funding for FLAP so that all American kids have the opportunity to learn a second language.
Voulez-vous do that for moi, c’est soir? 
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Oh, yes, language exchange classes! What a great idea, Caitlin – not sure how I left them off my list, especially since I did A LOT of them when I was living in Madrid. The face-to-face interaction sure worked for me, although I think there can be a place for software, videos and CDs too. How cool that you run Lango classes. I checked them out once as a business opportunity but wasn’t quite ready to take the plunge. Sounds like you’re really enjoying it. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, you really hit the nail on the head with this post! I could have written it myself – although perhaps not as eloquently as you did.
As a French and ESL teacher, there’s nothing I feel more passionate about than learning other languages. It truly saddens me how little importance is placed on language learning in this country.
Another great tip for learning a foreign language for free – exchange conversation classes with someone who is learning English. What is language but learning to speak, understand, communicate? I find that learning with another human being is so much more effective than any software or video you can buy.
Start ‘em out young! I operate Lango French, Spanish and Mandarin classes for kids ages 1-11 here in Philly and there are 90 locations across the U.S. Check out http://www.langokids.com and use the zip code finder to see if there’s a location near you. You can always try a class for free and there are great deals for anyone who helps bring the program into their children’s school. Check it out!
Caitlin Knight recently posted..Want to be a WAHM? Visit the JobProsper Expo!
Hi Liv – thanks for stopping by and sharing the link to your language learning tips. So, where are you living in Turkey? Any special tips for learning Turkish? It’s not an easy language, as I’m sure you know.
I believe languages (and communication generally) are SO important. Having lived in many different countries and cultures it is more than just a belief though – I draw on experience! I have written about the best ways to help yourself to learn languages here:
Just how do you learn a language? http://su.pr/2pBXWG
Hope it helps!
Liv.
Liv recently posted..Guide to Expat Living in Turkey