The document discusses foreign language instruction in schools. It notes that there is growing public demand for more foreign language options, and cites national security concerns raised by the president as factors driving this. While young learners more easily acquire native-like proficiency, adolescents and adults can learn foreign languages faster when motivated and aptitude is considered. The document considers questions about the optimal age to start language learning, teaching methods, and aptitude, and concludes that policymakers should support age-appropriate foreign language teaching.

1. Foreginlanguageinstruction

2. -Thepeoplewants more foreginlanguageinstruction.- Factors driving the demand prompted the college board.

3. Thepresident of EE.UU.- W.Bush citing national security concerns—expadteching of languagesnot typically offered in public schools.- Likearabic and farsi.

4. Programs in elementarySchoolorevenearly.

5. Imigrantsutudents.- Between the ages of 3 and 7 had average Englishgrammar test scores as adults equal to those of native Englishspeakers.

6. young learners are more likely than olderstudents to ultimately speak a new language likenative speakers, adolescents and adults actuallylearn foreign languages faster.- For adolescents and adults, a student’s aptitude and motivation can be key factors in his or herforeign language learning

7. Questions policymakers andinstructors often ask about foreign languagelearning and teaching are:- At what age should foreign languagelearning start? - !What teaching methods should be used?!To what extent is there a special aptitude- for foreign language learning?- Should Foreign LanguageLearning Start Early?

8. Whatshouldbe done? - Teaching should be age appropriate. - The policymakers should support age-appropriate foreign language teaching