Cartoon 672: Language

Debate of a multi-lingual education is a wasted argument.  The jury is not still out. We need look only at our culture through entertainment. Some of the most entertaining movies offered are subtitled for American audiences. That is today. Tomorrow will be a different story.

As America and Americanism slips from world dominance, other cultures and languages will force their way in. We are seeing some of this uniquely non-Americanism today. The popularity of the Japanese cartoon type known as “Aimee” is an example. What about Dora the Explorer? Movies such as “Crouching Tiger: Hidden Dragon” captured awards. It was definitely not western culture centric. In fact one of the most challenging movies I saw last year was “Curse of the Golden Flower”. The famous Asian actor Jet Li has stared in a series of Chinese centric historical movies that have made their way to the West. Then there is the popularity of the Bollywood offerings.

But the first effort with language should be to help ourselves. Nearly 3% of Americas are restricted from full vocal communication and hearing. Basic sign language should be part of our core education. In larger churches I think basic sign language should be a requirement for Ushers.  It should be a requirement in advanced degree programs. I have been to a church where the music accompaniment is performed with sign language. Many churches today, as a minimum, have sign language versions of the sermon. How come our municipal services and businesses are not as progressive?

It would be relatively easy and ultimately cost effective to require sign language to be taught in grade school and followed up as an elective in more advanced grades. It would help crack open the door toward a multi-lingual society.