Teachiling child a second language

[baz5]

How many of you are teaching or have taught their child a second language?
Which language did you choose?
I took French, hated it, and think it was a waste of time.
I was thinking maybe Spanish or Chinese Mandarin, though we don't have a huge Chinese population here.

[nalababe]

French.

In Canada it is still extremely valuable...especially in government or the corporate world.
It is a good gateway to other romance languages.
It is not overly difficult

Spanish has no use here. In the US it is used far less than French is here in the corporate world (especially in mid/senior management).

Mandarin...not much use here. Take it for family or shits and giggles.

[EPcjay]

With China's economy developing so fast, Mandarin has far more opportunities than French....

[baz5]

With China's economy developing so fast, Mandarin has far more opportunities than French....

That's what I'm thinking. But that being said, they said the same about Japam years ago.
I found French no use for me, though I've worked from home all my life. But in my opinion, it seems like French is used even less than it was 10+ years ago when I was in school.

[nalababe]

That's what I'm thinking. But that being said, they said the same about Japam years ago.
I found French no use for me, though I've worked from home all my life. But in my opinion, it seems like French is used even less than it was 10+ years ago when I was in school.

Yes if you go to China.

In the corporate world, English is the language of business...including working with companies in China. Every single person above a peon in a global company will speak English.

In Canada in big multinational companies. French will provide opportunities (as long as your company deals with Quebec, you will require people to speak French, provide documentation in French....).

In HS and University, French ensured my wife had no trouble getting jobs (major multinationals, Government).

[baz5]

Yeah, it's hard for me to fully understand the importance of French, since I've never had to look or apply for a job, so I don't know how handy it would be.
That being said, French seems to be used less now than it was a decade ago, seems like it's on a decline. I'm sure they'll try to save it, but I don't know why they bother.
As for Chinese, yeah you can say that now, but who knows what the world will be like in twenty years, China may own half the US.

[ippon]

french.
i put my girl into immersion.
she also goes to spanish once a week, but that's just because it's so cheap... i think 20 bucks for the whole year? i don't expect her to learn much spanish, but knowing french is a good insurance plan in this country.

[baz5]

Wow, I just realized my spelling on the title lol.

[Poulet]

FRENCH. Its an official language of Canada.

[iamelated]

My two-year old is attending french daycare (in a french school) 3 days a week. We definitely consider it an advantage to know french.

[y2jversion1]

French, if you don't have another native language (if you're originally from another country)

I still remember my highschool French when I go down to Quebec, but I regret not keeping up with it and being fluent. If I could go back and change one thing, it would be to become fluent in French :)

It may seem "useless", however many firms compensate a premium to those who are officially bilingual and can hold a bilingual position.

[Kingmoo]

Spanish

you never know where your child will end up in the future and Spanish wide-spread

[ChampUz]

French , if you plan on living in Canada.

[baz5]

Thanks, I might consider French then. I just really really hated it and was no use for me... but seems most here think it's the best choice.

[ippon]

Thanks, I might consider French then. I just really really hated it and was no use for me... but seems most here think it's the best choice.

it's mostly for job security.
i've seen so many incompetent pr***s and c***s holding down a nice paying job simply because they are bilingual. i'm jelly, what can i say. mine will speak at least 3 languages when she grows up.