title: Which functional programming language should I choose as first functional programming language?
body: <p>I would like to learn a functional programming language to see a different programming paradigm.</p>
  
  <p>My background in programming: Java (I have just passed the SCJP exam), some ruby and very limited Rails. I use bash for basic sysadmin tasks. I use Ubuntu 9.04.</p>
  
  <p>As a second goal I would like to use fp to show kids (14-18 years olds) how math and cs interrelated. The guys are very good at programing (they are learning Python and Java at politechnical high school from the first year). However as tests show, they have difficulties with math esp. basic concepts of discrete math. I think we can develop their math skills by using programming (and I possibly that can be the topic of my teacher training thesis). I think a language with very basic vocabulary would serve this project best.</p>