Intro
Many states
require high school students to earn credits in a foreign language in order to
graduate and many colleges also include foreign languages in their degree
plans. Some students may wonder why they have to take a foreign language to fulfill
high school or college graduation requirements, so it is important to
understand the many benefits of learning another language.
As our world
becomes more globalized and diverse, being able to speak more than one language
becomes an invaluable skill and opens up more career choices and advancement
opportunities. Being able to list that you are bilingual on a resume will set
you apart from the competition and give you an advantage in the job market.
According to Career Builder, many employers in the business, education, health
care, government, hospitality, law enforcement or marketing fields look for
applicants who can speak other languages.
Studying a
second language also affords the opportunity to be immersed in another culture,
learning not only the language, but its heritage, history and traditions as
well. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages claims that
learning another language increases a student's understanding of diversity and
leads to more positive attitudes and a greater sense of respect for people of
other cultures. It also opens up the way for new experiences like being able to
watch and understand foreign films or travel to new nations and converse in the
native language.
Body 1
Learning
another language assists in the development of critical thinking, creativity,
problem-solving and memory, per the Connecticut State Department of Education.
A 2007 publication cited several studies showing that students who study a
foreign language have higher scores on standardized tests in math, reading and
social studies, as well as college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT.
English-speakers who learn a second language typically also have better
listening skills and a greater understanding of their native language.
Body 2
Language
experts Martha Abbott and Ken Stewart offer some tips on language study in an
article published by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
They claim that while it is never too late to start learning another language,
starting earlier is better. Students do not have to stop at just two languages,
as many languages offer a transition to learning others. Abbott and Stewart
suggest choosing a language based on interests, such as family history or what
peers are learning and both cited consistency as an important factor, that
students should see it through and become lifelong learners
Body 3
Knowledge of a
foreign language is equally useful for maintaining employment, particularly in
industries where companies look to relocate business or expand into other
markets. This is because downsized or outsourced employees who speak the
language of the country where the company plans to relocate can gain an
advantage in the race to be appointed to a post in the new location. Knowledge
of the language of the region where your company is expanding into new markets
can make you indispensable to the success of the business as you bridge the
cultural gap between the two locations.
Conclusion
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