Las Vegas optic., 1914-11-24

far astray as the educators OF the
state could possibly 60.
But why should it be necessary to
slight the English language in order
to teach Spanish intelligently and
effectively? The population Of New
Mexico is divided almost equally
between those who speak Spanish
and those who speak English. Why
| is it not possible and highly desirable
that the children Of these people
should be taught 10 speak both Ian
guages with equal fluency? Why
should we not be bi-lingual people?
The child of Spanish-speaking par
ents, who from his birth has heard
almost nothing but Spanish spoken
and there are very many such in
New Mexico--is at an obvious disad
vantage when the effort is made to
teach him in a language with which
he is wholly unfamiliar. That this
child should be taught English and
taught It thoroughly admits of no
discussion. But isn't it most unfair
to him that his education should be
rammed down his throat in language
that he does not understand
It is the English-spealxing child,
though, that is the greatest loser by
the failure to teach Spanish in the
schools. He, too. is placed at a big
disadvantage Not only that, he is be-
ing deprived of an opportunity in life
to which he is justly entitled.
Much has been said ana written
about the cultivation of closer rela-
tions between the United States and
the Latin-American countries. Only
very recently has any systematic and
intelligent effort in this direction
Eeen made. Tke trade ef this coun-
try during the next generation will
be in larger measure than ever be-
fore with countries where Spanish is
the only language spoken.
America may well learn valuable
lesson from the experience of other
nations along this line. Germany is
justly entitled to the distinction of be
ing the greatest trade pioneer of all
the countries of the earth. Until the
beginning of the present worldwide
war, she was rapidly taking from
England the supremacy which the lat
ter had long enjoyed in international
trade. One of the big factors in the
advance that she has made in this di-
ERECTION has been that she sends out
into the markets of the world men
who are thoroughly familiar with the
Language of the people whose trade
she is after. In the public schools Of
Germany special attention is paid to
1.-THE study Of languages Germany's
commanding position in the CONNER
cial world is the answer.
So also with Japan With the awak-
ening of the educational idea IN the
flowery kingdom there came the prac-
tical idea that if Japan was to take
Its place among the nations OF the
world she must be able to compete
on equal terms with other countries.
Stress was laid upon the teaching Of
languages in the schools, with the re-
suit that the mikado's countrymen are
forging ahead as trade nation with
almost incredible rapidity.
What Germany and Japan have done
America can and should do: and we
here in New Mexico have a glorious
opportunity to take the lead in
movement that will be Of the utmost
value to the nation at large in the de-
velopment Of its commerce.
By all means let Spanish be taught
in the public schools of New Mexico
not in such a way as to interfere
with the intelligent study of English
but with a view 10 equipping all the
people Of the state with good work
ing knowledge of both languages.