Letter: English proficiency essential for future
Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007 | 6:55 a.m.
In reference to Wednesday's article, "Students told to hold (native) tongue," the ACLU and the parents involved all need to take a deep breath. Why jump to the conclusion that anyone wants to discriminate against or suppress the rights of Spanish-speaking students?
The principal is clearly trying to assist these kids. Their careers and financial futures in our English-speaking business culture will be deeply affected by their ability to speak, read and write in English.
I've traveled to 25 other countries on business and I was always able to do business in English. I recently taught a three-day seminar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that was attended by businesspeople from India, Japan, Korea, Russia, China and the Philippines. When on coffee breaks or at dinner, English was always the language in use because it provided a common bridge.
In many countries in Europe, young people learn English in high school or before. When a native English speaker like me shows up, they want to take advantage of the opportunity to speak in English so they can "practice" their English skills.
The kids in Esmeralda County might do well to take advantage of this same opportunity to practice. I applaud the superintendent, Mr. Aumagher, for taking a position that is clearly in the long-term best interests of his students. Let's back off and let a professional educator do his job.
David P. Crowell, Henderson
archive
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- ‘Stripper-mobile’ with live dancers raises safety, decency concerns
- Report: State’s economy worse off than any other
- Rebels survive scare from Division-II Washburn
- Study cites challenges of Nevada’s financial problems
- Tourism companies embrace social media strategies
- Freddie Roach: Miguel Cotto not the same since knockout
- Fans float replacement for UNLV football coach
- Six search warrants served on Hells Angels
- Analysts say Dean Heller’s arguments on health care don’t add up
- UNLV struggles to exhibition victory against Division II school
Blogs
Miech Again
Rebels rookie Lopez says redshirting is his best move (2 Comments)
Politics: Ralston's Flash
Lawsuit filed to block "personhood" initiative
Elsewhere
Rumors of Matt Hughes v. Renzo Gracie
The Kats Report
Ten minutes with Chelsea Handler is better than no minutes with Chelsea Handler
Business Notebook
Meeting cancellations prompting suits; economic diversification vs. growth
Now and Then
Antoine Walker doesn't know when to hold or fold 'em
TUF Heavyweights
Episode 9: Funky chickens
Calendar »
- 12 Thu
- 13 Fri
- 14 Sat
- 15 Sun
- 16 Mon
-
Las Vegas Wranglers vs. Utah Grizzlies
Orleans Hotel-Casino
-
Lily Tomlin at the Hollywood Theatre
Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand
-
Leonard Cohen at The Colosseum
The Colosseum | 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-
Football specials at Diablo's
Diablos Cantina
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati










