Kevin, the teaching of languages in U.S. primary and secondary Schools is a disgrace. There's no requirement to show proficiency in any language other than English- and standards there are slipping as well.

Its hubris- "just speak English slowly and loudly..." and jingoism, and lack of adequate education funding into the bargain.

How folks in the U.S. can keep from cringing with shame every time a newscast shows a peasant from some place like Azerbaijan or Chechnya speaking perfect English......

I could tell you the story of a local French teacher who took a group of students to Québec and was really annoyed that the residents wouldn't speak English to her-