Secondary School Third Languages

[coolit]

Which language is the best to take up as a third language? French or Japanese or German? My son wants to take up a third language when he is in secondary school but I am not sure if he can cope. I want to encourage his interest in picking up another language but I also want to find out more about the three languages and see which is the most time consuming to pick up.

[pslemum]

My ds is taking Japanese at Bishan moelc - depite encouragement from us, I do not think he is going to make it , anyone out there with ideas to help them cope? Such a pity to give up - but no point to continue if he has no interest…

[jtoh]

pslemum:

My ds is taking Japanese at Bishan moelc - depite encouragement from us, I do not think he is going to make it , anyone out there with ideas to help them cope? Such a pity to give up - but no point to continue if he has no interest.....

My personal view is that if he has no interest and his Japanese grades aren't good, then he should drop the subject. That will give him more time to focus on other subjects, his CCA, leadership positions etc. He can always pick up Japanese later in life if he's really keen. He loses nothing by dropping the subject now.

[Snow Crystal]

pslemum:

My ds is taking Japanese at Bishan moelc - depite encouragement from us, I do not think he is going to make it , anyone out there with ideas to help them cope? Such a pity to give up - but no point to continue if he has no interest.....

Hi 5 pslemum. Sama sama. And I agree with jtoh. If no interest and can't cope, let's just let our kids say sayonara to MOELC 3rd Lang. give a hug to our kids for braving it till now. :celebrate: well done for trying to cope till now. Really not easy and so many kids already dropped in beginning of the year. Put ourselves in their shoes. A new language is not easy to pick up. And so tough to cope with a 3rd Lang on top of heavy school work. I know it's such a pity but our poor kid is sinking - let's throw them the lifeline to drop it... Then concentrate on other subjects, their CCAs, and extra time for recreation or rest and relax. My humble opinion.

[dasalo]

pslemum:

My ds is taking Japanese at Bishan moelc - depite encouragement from us, I do not think he is going to make it , anyone out there with ideas to help them cope? Such a pity to give up - but no point to continue if he has no interest.....

Does he likes Japanese Manga or Anime? I know this ain't sounding good to his academic studies but it really helps. My dd2's Japanese is self taught by reading n watching the above. (Not superb, but able to understand)

Knowing and liking the culture is aslo very important to the language. Try starting with food and I believe most like Japanese food. There is this place in Robertson Quay named \"Bon Gout\", a Japanese comic/bookstore serves very reasonable priced authentic home cook Japanese food. You can read all you want the Japanese books there (of course you have to order their food).
It recently changed new boss and I wondered if it still taste as good.

Wonder if this will help your ds?

[icecubism]

This is quite a headache for me, as i’m a Primary 6 student this year and i’m having a dilemma about deciding whether i should take up a Third Language next year.

My results are fairly good and my languages are hovering about high-As.
I take Higher Mother Tongue (chinese) as well, and i score consistent Merits.
Are there any parents who can give advice to whether i should take up a Third Language with my results?
I have heard that it is really stressful to take up a Third Language and very difficult as you have to take O’ levels and A’ levels exams for it too, if you take up a Third Language.
My preference for a Third Language would be French, though is learning it very tough?
I am trying to contemplate my decision as i would not like to join the class then drop out due to pressure and give up on it.
Once i make my decision, i would like to persevere and not give up easily, so i would be very grateful to your advice! Thank you.

[r2010]

Sunbird24:

bayleaves:

My daughter will be taking chinese as 3rd language (CSP) in sec 1. Anyone here who has a child currently doing the CSP ? How are the lessons conducted (i.e is it a fun based way) ?

Hi bayleaves,

I have sent you a private message.
Hope to hear from you soon.Thanks.

Hi

Can anyone suggest me a good tutor for my sec 1 ds who will be taking Chinese as third language. Anyone can suggest the best way to study the language

[Snow Crystal]

icecubism:

I have heard that it is really stressful to take up a Third Language and very difficult as you have to take O' levels and A' levels exams for it too, if you take up a Third Language.
My preference for a Third Language would be French, though is learning it very tough?
I am trying to contemplate my decision as i would not like to join the class then drop out due to pressure and give up on it.
Once i make my decision, i would like to persevere and not give up easily, so i would be very grateful to your advice! Thank you.

Taking up third language if you are referring to French/Jap/German is tough. The syllabus is not washed down and it is commitment. BUT if you qualify, why deny yourself a chance to see what is it all about. You may discover a flair for it. Some even love it and take it all the way to O or A levels. If you future sec school offers Regional Studies Program (Malay Special Program)you may also consider this.

[pslemum]

My ds was allocated MSP in the beginning but then we decided to switch to Jap as he has Malay lessons in school… perhaps picking up Malay would be easier as it is still taught in ‘abc’.

[verykiasu2010]

my DS did quite ok for his 3rd lang, but mommy wants him to drop, to focus more on the core subjects…sigh !