Which Language Should Schools Teach First? | Debater Duel

When communities speak one language—but schools teach another—who should adapt?

In this thought-provoking Debater Duel, Worlds Octofinals Judge Vladimira Suflaj and Asians Octofinals Judge Dylan Salcedo face off on the motion: “In districts where it is dominated with Arabic community, this house believes that Arabic should be the primary language of instruction in schools instead of French.”

Info Slide:
In the 1950s–70s, France encouraged immigration to fill low-wage jobs in industry, construction, and public services. As a result, immigrants from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia has come and settled in urban industrial areas such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, forming their own community. In these areas, Arabic is frequently spoken at home and in the community.

This debate explores language, integration, and education policy:
• Should schools prioritize students’ home language to improve learning and inclusion?
• Or does teaching in French better support national cohesion and long-term opportunities?

A must-watch for debaters, students, and anyone interested in education, migration, and cultural identity.

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