Term 3 Week 4 (Blogging Assignment)

In my opinion, Jim Rogers' main argument is that in order to survive in this competitive world,we must be able to have a good grasp of many languages. With the rise of wealth in the East, it is important that the children of the West must start immersing themselves in Asian culture, as well as picking up various Asian languages, especially Chinese as we all notice that China is slowly starting to gain dominance over the world. The world is no longer about America being the superpower, as more countries are rising, such as the Middle East, China & even India. 

In order to be prepared for the globalized world we are in, the children of the 21st Century must be immersed in an environment that allow them to get to know foreign people, foreign languages, and foreign lands. English is no longer the sole universal language in the world, America is also no longer the superpower it used to be with funds flowing out of the country as debt faster than the funds flowing in as revenue. The East in this case is benefiting from this as they are the creditors in many cases. If America continues to think that it is still the superpower, it will not be long before they are thrown off the top permanently.  In order to have an advantage in the future, people must start to learn about different cultures & languages so as to be able to interact effectively when the time comes. 


I agree with Jim Rogers' argument. The rise of the dominating East is very obvious for all of us. The growth in economy of Asian countries indicates that there would be more room for industrial development not in the West but in the East.This is the point in time in which the tables are turned towards the West. In order for the people in the West to be able to be effective in the new era with the people of the East, it is a great advantage to know another language as the communication barrier can be easily broken down. Language is a skill that takes years to learn and even longer to perfect, therefore, the earlier you start, the better.Apart from that, childhood is the best time to learn languages as one it most receptive when young, thus making the task much easier.Therefore, by exposing a child to foreign cultures & languages, it will effectively help them be prepared for the future economy.

While some may argue that it has not come to a point where English is gradually being eroded as the medium of universal communication, efforts to expose children to foreign cultures & language is a form of preparation for the future. We cannot forsee the economic growth of the East in comparison with the West. Even if Asian powers are not evident in the future, having an extra language in your communication arsenal is definitely an added advantage. It's better to be safe then sorry.

In the coming years, the more languages you have under your belt, the more versatile you would be in the new economy. In order to develop a good grasp for other foreign languages, children must be exposed to it for long periods of time to aid their survival in a global economy in the future.