600 Children In School And 42 Different Languages

[dunnitall]

Hope the link works, I would love to know how many other countries would admit to this being the case! What has this country become in that so many foreign people cannot even speak English but reside in this country, and how much does it cost to educate by the way of teaching English to these children?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-27281414

[Mamyalynne]

Not having English as your first language is not the same as not speaking English at all.

I do agree all new entrants to any country should learn the native tongue as soon as possible however.

My SIL is working in Prague at the moment and is doing just that.

[dunnitall]

Of course it is mamya but my point is, why expect the education system to teach you when perhaps you should have a command of the language before you choose a country to live in. Not my idea of integrating to plonk yourself elsewhere and expect others to foot the bill for your lack of interest in educating yourself.

[Graham-W]

From what I have seen and heard there are many British teenagers who struggle with spoken English, never mind written English.

[dunnitall]

Could well be Graham, but down to parenting every time methinks..lazy parenting? As for foreigners settling here surely you would make sure you and your offspring had some knowledge of the language to at least have a head start. Nah, perhaps I'm being too realistic, why do it yourself when you can get it for free!!

[dunnitall]

...or should I have said at tax payers expense?

[ummmm]

When some Polish kids started the same school as my kids they were fluent very quickly.

[dunnitall]

That's good then ummmm, didn't cost that much then as time is money. Good that the UK provides for others who haven't paid into the system, I wonder how many other countries would support the British under similar circumstances?

[THECORBYLOON]

I doubt that every wee one whose first language is not England was born abroad. There will be many families where English is spoken in addition to the mother tongue.

[THECORBYLOON]

...not English even..

[ummmm]

TCL is correct. My daughter started nursery with children, born here, that couldn't speak a word of English.

[Graham-W]

Ah used te worrk fre a geordie an cud nay understan a ward he sed.
Ah find it hard te understan jock, tee .

[dunnitall]

Then down to parents to ensure their children have command of the language spoken in the country they reside in, surely that's just common sense?

[dunnitall]

I agree Graham, these accents are a curse to deal with LOL.... Whatever foreign language they are in.....cough cough.