This article was a very interesting account of the various ways that a person can go about learning a language and the effectiveness and cost associated with each. Language acquisition is a very important part of modern day society, especially with the increased global interaction and awareness. One possible language learning environment is in the classroom, which allows for dialogue, human interaction, and immediate feedback. However, this depends on having the availability and the funds in order to attend school, which are not feasible for some. Nevertheless, it seems that learning actively with other people in a structured environment is ideal. One study showed how one's ability to learn a language is largely grounded in the reception of affirming, positive feedback (especially when it comes to the French language, interestingly enough). (http://csaweb115v.csa.com/ids70/view_record.php?id=3&recnum=7&log=next&SID=2euqmk7v73h73nvla7143hbvp6&&mark=6). Another more common learning environment is listening to CD programs, which provide culturally competent pronunciations of words and inexhaustible time to practice by yourself. While this may be more feasible for many, it seems that nothing can take the place of enrolling in a class, or actually visiting a different country and immersing yourself in the culture (which proves even more costly).
This leads to a complicated question: how do we make effective language learning equitable. Overall, I believe these findings show how important it is to preserve language classes in all schools. Language learning must be a priority (even amongst budget cuts), as the experience a student can get learning a language in a class cannot compare to any other form. Unfortunately, it seems that more and more often, language is one of the first academic disciplines to be cut from a school's budget. However, the benefits of bilingualism seem to be huge, such as an increased chance of obtaining many different jobs (in government, in non profits, etc) and an increased ability to see the world from a diverse perspective and interact with culturally diverse groups. Additionally, bilingual elders are less likely to have Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. To me, it seems that these benefits are grounded in everyday, useful human experience and skill as well as fundamental health gains. Thus, language learning must not be abandoned by school districts and must be made available to everyone.
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