Language Learning in the United States of America

The USA has a great need for individuals with highly developed competencies in world languages. In fact, the need for individuals with proficiency in languages other than English has never been higher (Brecht & Rivers, 2000). According to Brecht and Ingold (2002), more than 70 government agencies reported a need for individuals with a language expertise other than English. To address these needs, under the direction of the President of the USA, the Secretaries of State, Education, and Defense, and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) have developed a national plan to expand US foreign language education beginning in early childhood (kindergarten) and continuing throughout formal schooling and into the workforce with new programmes and resources.