Statement From Dr. Earl Thompson
Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois
Hello Hadley Junior High Spanish Students,
I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to talk with you via Skype but here are my responses to some of your questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Earl Thompson
Professor Emeritus of Spanish, Elmhurst College
Some General Thoughts
First, let me say that I prefer the term “second” language, rather than “foreign” language. Why?, because there are a number of different languages spoken right here in the Chicago area. I would imagine that you have a great deal of diversity in your classroom. You may have classmates who hear another language at home: Polish, Spanish, Urdu, Hindi and Mandarin, for example.
You are fortunate to live in an area with so much diversity. You don’t have to travel to another country to listen to and learn about other languages and cultures. Just twenty minutes from your school there is a wonderful Hindu temple in Bartlett. Have you visited it? If not, ask your parents to take you there. In Glen Ellen and the surrounding communities there are many ethnic restaurants: Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Turkish, to name a few. In many cases the staff come from those countries or have a heritage in those countries. Don’t be afraid to ask them about their cultures.
Why is it important to immerse yourself in a foreign culture?
Knowing about a foreign culture makes you question the values of your own culture. It makes you realize that the rest of the world doesn’t necessarily have the same opinions about things that we do. It gives you a broader perspective.
I grew up in rural Iowa, where there was very little diversity. I didn’t know a Hispanic person until I went away to college. By studying Spanish in high school I learned about a fascinating new world. That led me to study Spanish in college, to join the Peace Corps in South America, to work in Spain and to become a college professor. You don’t know where your Spanish studies may lead you.
How does one best use a foreign language?
One best uses a foreign (second) language by practicing it on every possible occasion. I know that as eighth graders you may be reluctant to do so, but try. When you go to the counter at a fast food restaurant and see that the person appears to be Hispanic, make a big smile and say “hola.” When you’re in a Mexican or Spanish restaurant, ask the waiter if you can try out your Spanish. The worst that can happen is that she/he responds in English, but maybe it will be the start of a conversation in Spanish.
Why is studying a foreign language important?
You probably have heard the expression “We live in a global society.” It’s true. The world becomes more interconnected every day. Spanish is the language of 20 countries plus the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, but you don’t need to travel to Latin America to practice your Spanish. As you probably know, the Chicago metropolitan area has the fifth largest Hispanic population in the United States. More than Miami, Florida, or San Antonio, Texas. 28% of the population in Chicago is Hispanic, and many of them speak Spanish. By studying Spanish language and cultures you will have a better appreciation for your Hispanic classmates and neighbors.
Buena Suerte. ¡Adelante!
I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to talk with you via Skype but here are my responses to some of your questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Earl Thompson
Professor Emeritus of Spanish, Elmhurst College
Some General Thoughts
First, let me say that I prefer the term “second” language, rather than “foreign” language. Why?, because there are a number of different languages spoken right here in the Chicago area. I would imagine that you have a great deal of diversity in your classroom. You may have classmates who hear another language at home: Polish, Spanish, Urdu, Hindi and Mandarin, for example.
You are fortunate to live in an area with so much diversity. You don’t have to travel to another country to listen to and learn about other languages and cultures. Just twenty minutes from your school there is a wonderful Hindu temple in Bartlett. Have you visited it? If not, ask your parents to take you there. In Glen Ellen and the surrounding communities there are many ethnic restaurants: Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Turkish, to name a few. In many cases the staff come from those countries or have a heritage in those countries. Don’t be afraid to ask them about their cultures.
Why is it important to immerse yourself in a foreign culture?
Knowing about a foreign culture makes you question the values of your own culture. It makes you realize that the rest of the world doesn’t necessarily have the same opinions about things that we do. It gives you a broader perspective.
I grew up in rural Iowa, where there was very little diversity. I didn’t know a Hispanic person until I went away to college. By studying Spanish in high school I learned about a fascinating new world. That led me to study Spanish in college, to join the Peace Corps in South America, to work in Spain and to become a college professor. You don’t know where your Spanish studies may lead you.
How does one best use a foreign language?
One best uses a foreign (second) language by practicing it on every possible occasion. I know that as eighth graders you may be reluctant to do so, but try. When you go to the counter at a fast food restaurant and see that the person appears to be Hispanic, make a big smile and say “hola.” When you’re in a Mexican or Spanish restaurant, ask the waiter if you can try out your Spanish. The worst that can happen is that she/he responds in English, but maybe it will be the start of a conversation in Spanish.
Why is studying a foreign language important?
You probably have heard the expression “We live in a global society.” It’s true. The world becomes more interconnected every day. Spanish is the language of 20 countries plus the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, but you don’t need to travel to Latin America to practice your Spanish. As you probably know, the Chicago metropolitan area has the fifth largest Hispanic population in the United States. More than Miami, Florida, or San Antonio, Texas. 28% of the population in Chicago is Hispanic, and many of them speak Spanish. By studying Spanish language and cultures you will have a better appreciation for your Hispanic classmates and neighbors.
Buena Suerte. ¡Adelante!