The concept of learning a foreign language at the primary
school level is a subject of debate among experts. While
this approach presents both advantages and disadvantages, I believe that despite its drawbacks, it brings numerous benefits to students.
Learning a foreign language at a young age offers two
major advantages. Firstly, young children possess remarkable learning capabilities, enabling them to acquire new knowledge quickly and easily. For example, a 4-year- old child can grasp the functionality of a mobile phone faster than a fifty-year-old adult due to the efficiency of their developing brains. Similarly, if children learn a new language during their primary school years, they can grasp it more efficiently compared to secondary or high school. Secondly, proficiency in a foreign language can prove advantageous to students who plan to pursue job opportunities abroad, as it grants them a competitive edge over individuals who are unfamiliar with the local language. Therefore, knowledge of a foreign language can provide various advantages.
However, it is important to acknowledge the drawbacks of
this approach. The primary disadvantage is the limited practical utility of learning a new language for individuals who do not intend to relocate to foreign countries. For instance, if a child learns French during their schooling but later chooses a career in the IT sector within their own country, their knowledge of French may not contribute significantly to their professional aspirations. Additionally, during their early school years, children may lack the necessary decision-making skills compared to their counterparts in secondary school who have a better understanding of their areas of interest. Consequently, if these children do not ultimately pursue a career in language-related fields, the time and effort invested in learning a non-regional language during primary school may be viewed as less fruitful. As a result, the potential benefits of acquiring a non-regional language in primary school may appear relatively diminished.
In conclusion, despite the drawbacks associated with this
approach, the advantages it offers, such as expanded knowledge and future opportunities in foreign countries, outweigh the limitations. Therefore, I firmly believe that the positive aspects of learning a foreign language at the primary school level surpass its negative aspects.