“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, it goes to his head. If you speak to him in his language, it goes to his heart." This quote was once said by the late, great South African leader, Nelson Mandela. He learned the Afrikaans language while in prison to communicate with the Afrikaner white guards. Mandela was imprisoned for opposing the apartheid government which was committing human rights abuses against black South Africans. The other prisoners were deeply offended when they heard Mandela speak the language of their oppressors, but in Mandela's mind the Afrikaners are still Africans, he believes they are still people of his country and he really wanted to understand them. Learning the language played an important role in Mandela's journey to freedom. It is evident in his case that learning other languages ​​can be very useful and very rewarding. Today, knowing how to speak, read and write in languages ​​other than the native tongue gives that person an advantage over those who don't. The United States of America has always been called the “melting pot of the world”, known for welcoming people from different countries, customs, religions and beliefs. Immigrants come to the United States to find new opportunities and a better lifestyle. Different races mean diversity of cultures and languages. For non-English speakers, this is a big problem. Not being able to communicate using the English language prevents immigrants from finding better-paying jobs, which is one of the reasons they moved to the United States in the first place. Not only that, children who don't yet speak English well fall behind in school. This is where the bilingual and English immersion program... center of the paper... I thought bilingual education was best... until the kids proved me wrong." Washington Post September 3, 2000. Opposing Views in Context. Web. April 6, 2014. Bale, Jeff. "Bilingual Education Is the Best Approach for English Language Learners." February 2010). E. Williams San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2000. Opposing Views from “Bilingual Education Failing to Help America's Schoolchildren? Yes: The agenda of Latino activists is closing the door on many Hispanic children. "Insight (June 3, 1996). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. April 8. 2014.