English (and French, Spanish, Portuguese, etc) became dominant by pushing the native languages on the brink of extinction through systematic racism. So now that the damage is done, instead of fixing it, we just carry on and deny kids the right to receive an education in their native language? (Speeding up the rate of extinction)

[–] guy@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I'm from the UK, we are the natives here.

Though, I would agree in the UK when it comes to other native languages under threat, like Scottish Gaelic and Welsh.

However, I still think in any English speaking country, proficient English is the most important thing a child can learn in order to thrive in modern society. And separating children of different languages is not a good thing, it only makes racism worse. Instead, we should focus on lessons and programs that teach other native languages, to preserve them, and also teach English to those that don't speak it at home.

Teaching and preservation programs have worked well for Welsh and the language is growing once again.