Whither (not “Wither”) Japanese? By Anthony Jackson on February 7, 2012 5:44 AM Global economic trends have far-reaching effects. For instance, the language learning decisions made by students and their families often have to do with perceptions of future employability. I’ve asked one of Asia Society’s resident polyglots, Chris Livaccari, to reflect on this trend and put it in…

Wait for the punch line….

Ten months ago I sat down to quickly write up some thoughts I’d had about the differing motivations parents had for choosing Mandarin immersion, with the idea that  understanding those motivations might lessen some tensions we felt in our program. That quick email grew into the 7,000 word essay I’m posting here. It’s also launched…

On Bilingualism and Mandarin in Minnetonka, Minnesota Pacific Memories and Visions April 6, 2012 – Ray Tsuchiyama Read comments | Post a comment  I had no choice in being exposed to bilingualism, since my parents spoke both Japanese and English. Although I don’t remember, my first language was most likely Japanese, as my late mother spoke to…

Mar Vista: Language immersion programs seen as nexus in local schools’ pipeline By Gary Walker Despite the challenges with charter schools, news of alleged sexual misconduct at Miramonte Elementary School and a looming budget deficit, there are bright spots within the Los Angeles Unified School District, as some schools are engaging in innovative academic planning.…

By SINDYA N. BHANOO Published: April 2, 2012 Learning a foreign language is never easy, but contrary to common wisdom, it is possible for adults to process a language the same way a native speaker does. And over time, the processing improves even when the skill goes unused, researchers are reporting. Enlarge This Image Chris…

This is from NPR. And please note that it was published on APRIL FIRST… === April 1, 2012 For years, New York parents have been applying to preschools even before their youngsters are born. That’s not new, but the approach one prestigious pre-school on the Upper West Side is. At the Porsafillo Preschool Academy, all…