Following a brief review of the history of interest in foreign languages in America, facts to be considered when interpreting falling enrollment statistics, such as a drop in the birth rate, are discussed. It is stressed that foreign language teaching cannot be neglected in a world having improved and extensive communication between people speaking many different languages. There is a need for cross-cultural understanding that can be attained through language learning. The change in attitudes among the youth of American society is mentioned. It is stated that youth now feel that they can accept the laws of society without denying their origins. There is a new interest in ethnic background and in foreign cultures. Monolingualism is no longer necessarily considered to be the normal linguistic situation in advanced nations, as the multilingualism of many emerging nations becomes apparent. (CLK)