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Experience studying foreign languages definitely helps people program computers. I don't think the reverse is true, though. And I don't think programming should substitute for foreign language study.
But really, what's the point of a rural Kentucky kid learning French? As long as you have access to a computer, programming at least offers the option of using the language immediately; anywhere, anytime.
You don't have to go across the border to use it, which means you're less likely to "lose it."
Don't get me wrong, learning a foreign language can be a fascinating adventure, but I've learned more from my own self-motivated pursuits than signing up for the obligatory, regurgitated "¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?" required doctrine. So, no, programming shouldn't substitute studying a foreign language, but at least the option is available for some.
In all honesty, I think learning a computer programming language is good, since more and more we utilize technology, which is all dependent of computer language. This offers a substantial amount of jobs. However I do not think it should be classified as a foreign language. As well as I think it is good America uses a European model when it comes to languages. Schools there teach several different languages based on what country languages are around them. America should be learning English (obvious), Spanish for our neighboring countries south of us, and French for our French Canadian neighbors.
I wish they would drop all foreign language requirements, and change it to philology type classes; much better in my opinion, and makes room for those who are truly interested in learning a language. The worse thing in language classes were those who were forced to be there, took away from those who really wanted to learn a different language.
I also think it is more beneficial and easier to retain for people to have an overall view of global languages, than concentrate on a specific language in which the only thing retained is "hello" and "what time is it?"
On the one hand it's cool to promote programming, but to basically equate the concept of a computer language (and this is a nebulous concept to begin with) to a spoken language is kind of weird. And in all honesty, it makes no sense. That's not even like comparing apples to oranges. It's like comparing apples to chimpanzees.
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