Which foreign language is "easier" for inattentive ADHD with weak working memory

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all the responses!

His initial plan was to continue French. That is my personal bias, too. Most likely, that's what he'll choose.

The Mandarin idea came about out of the blue. It turns out, his friend takes Mandarin (for fun!) outside of school and has been using funny phrases. I imagine (implicit bias alert) that Mandarin teachers could be more strict? His French teacher has been so relaxed and flexible. She lets kids retake quizzes as many times as they want because she doesn't want grades to be the driving factor. She has mentioned that DC sometimes looks anxious when spoken to in French. I think the auditory part is hard to process. I know how that is, because I prefer to "see" things written down than hear orally.

DC has zero familiarity with Chinese characters so he would be a total novice. Not sure how much he'd have to catch up if other students are from bilingual homes or have taken Mandarin outside of school.

ASL is not offered, but good to know!

In my family, there is an auditory processing weakness that runs together with ADHD. I think this is common in the students I see as well. Some ADHD kids are very good at language, some have language processing issues (writing or reading or spelling).

I would suggest sign language. Pronunciation and spelling become non-issues, and there is something about the physical movement that I think helps kids with ADHD -- easier to pay attention and to memorize. Many schools don't have sign language, but maybe you could get an abbreviated schedule and leave early to take at MC.

In terms of foreign language, keep an eye on meeting any HS credits which is different from taking enough language to qualify for admissions in college (as well as what colleges require to graduate). Many selective colleges wouldn't care if you took a couple years of French and then tried Chinese, even if you decided not to continue Chinese. Be aware that some colleges, like UVA (last I checked) have foreign language competency requirements for graduation, and that can be difficult for ADHD or dyslexic kids.

I knew someone who couldn’t graduate from UVA because he couldn’t pass the foreign language requirement. He says he “attended” UVA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all the responses!

His initial plan was to continue French. That is my personal bias, too. Most likely, that's what he'll choose.

The Mandarin idea came about out of the blue. It turns out, his friend takes Mandarin (for fun!) outside of school and has been using funny phrases. I imagine (implicit bias alert) that Mandarin teachers could be more strict? His French teacher has been so relaxed and flexible. She lets kids retake quizzes as many times as they want because she doesn't want grades to be the driving factor. She has mentioned that DC sometimes looks anxious when spoken to in French. I think the auditory part is hard to process. I know how that is, because I prefer to "see" things written down than hear orally.

DC has zero familiarity with Chinese characters so he would be a total novice. Not sure how much he'd have to catch up if other students are from bilingual homes or have taken Mandarin outside of school.

ASL is not offered, but good to know!

In my family, there is an auditory processing weakness that runs together with ADHD. I think this is common in the students I see as well. Some ADHD kids are very good at language, some have language processing issues (writing or reading or spelling).

I would suggest sign language. Pronunciation and spelling become non-issues, and there is something about the physical movement that I think helps kids with ADHD -- easier to pay attention and to memorize. Many schools don't have sign language, but maybe you could get an abbreviated schedule and leave early to take at MC.

In terms of foreign language, keep an eye on meeting any HS credits which is different from taking enough language to qualify for admissions in college (as well as what colleges require to graduate). Many selective colleges wouldn't care if you took a couple years of French and then tried Chinese, even if you decided not to continue Chinese. Be aware that some colleges, like UVA (last I checked) have foreign language competency requirements for graduation, and that can be difficult for ADHD or dyslexic kids.

I knew someone who couldn’t graduate from UVA because he couldn’t pass the foreign language requirement. He says he “attended” UVA.

Honestly, I feel like UVA needs a good lawsuit about this. It's hard for me to believe that they are not required to provide some accommodations under the ADA. For some people with ADHD or language-based disabilities, foreign language proficiency is nearly impossible. I can see having a language requirement if it included learning about languages, being able to try the first year of several different languages or learning sign language, or having an excusal for students with documented disabilities. To do otherwise is sort of like insisting that the student in a wheelchair learn to use the stairs.