FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION

WHEREAS, communication between peoples and cultures is becoming common through increased technological and travel opportunities; and

WHEREAS, there is an increased pride in ethnicity and native languages, and English cannot be assumed to be the dominant language worldwide; and

WHERAS, the United States' role as a worldwide economic and political force is damaged by Americans' inability to speak foreign languages; and

WHEREAS, fewer than 5 percent of elementary school children receive any foreign language instruction; and

WHEREAS, all evidence indicates that the earlier foreign language instruction begins the greater the chances of achieving proficiency; and

WHEREAS, only 13 percent of American high school students are now studying a foreign language; and

WHEREAS, a second language is most readily acquired when study begins at an early age, and it takes a number of years to become proficient in the language and appreciative of the culture it expresses; and

WHEREAS, knowledge of foreign languages improves not only understanding of other cultures but also greater appreciation of one's own culture and language:

RESOLVED, that the AFT endorses the concept of inclusion of foreign language instruction in the American curriculum at all educational levels; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers shall support legislation on the federal and state levels which supports and fully funds foreign language instruction in the elementary schools, to be taught by fully qualified foreign language teachers; and