More and more school districts have added foreign language study as a requirement for graduation. Students often question why they should learn any foreign language. But research has proved that learning a foreign language is beneficial.
Many people have difficulty learning a foreign language. It doesn’t come overnight, but with perserverance, most people will achieve a minimum proficiency. Giving students a choice of languages is helpful. Students can learn French learn Spanish or Latin in most schools, but some other choices can include German, Russian or Chinese.
So, why learn a foreign language?
Better Academic Achievement Overall
Research shows that learning another language can enhance reading skills, and knowledge of English structure and vocabulary. More surprising, students who began studying a foreign language in kindergarten had surpassed expected in all areas by the time they reached 5th grade, particularly in math. It also results in better communication and listening ability, sharper memory, more creativity, and better complex problem solving skills.
Higher Test Scores
Much research had demonstrated that foreign language learners tend to score higher on standardized tests. The College Board, which provides the SAT, says that, students who take a minimum of four years of foreign-language study scored more than 100 points higher on each section of the SAT compared to students who took a half year or less.
Other studies correlate bilingual ability with higher scores on tests of both verbal and nonverbal intelligence.
Study of a foreign language increases the college admissions rate. Students are likely to earn better grades in college and more likely to graduate.
Learning a Second Language Enhances Career Opportunities
Fluency in a foreign language can open many career opportunities for someone. A growing number of businesses work closely with people in different countries, both within their own company, or with other corporations or governments. Employees are needed who speak other languages and are aware of differences between cultures.
There are many people living in the U.S. who speak languages other than English. In order to communicate with as many people as possible, many professionals will need to understand a second language. Some of these include doctors and nurses, social workers, police and firefighters, hotel managers, etc. Other areas where knowing a second language is either helpful or necessary include government, the military, law, sales and marketing, travel and hospitality, teaching, translation and communications.
Develop Understanding Of Different Societies
The world seems to be shrinking faster all the time. It’s obvious, living in this country, the effect of diverse cultures and lifestyles.
Understanding a second language teaches respect for other cultures. Studies have even found that foreign language learners are more tolerant of people who are different in some way. Being able to interact with other human beings benefits all countries and increases world security.
Whether you learn to speak French speak Spanish or some other language, you now know why its a such a good idea.
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