Why Learning a Foreign Language is Important
More and more high schools have added a foreign language to their graduation requirements. Undoubtedly it is critical to have a solid grasp of the English language, but learning a foreign language aids in achievement throughout life.
Many students find it hard to learn another language. It may not come quickly, but if they stick with it, most students will achieve a minimum proficiency. Giving students a choice of languages is helpful. Students can learn French, Spanish or Latin in most schools, but some schools offer Russian, German, or even Chinese.
So, what are the advantages of learning another language?
Better Academic Achievement Overall
Research shows that learning another language can improve reading skills, and understanding of English structure and vocabulary. More surprising, students who began studying a foreign language in kindergarten did better than national averages in all subjects when they were in fifth grade, especially in mathematics. Students also exhibit better communication and listening ability, sharper memory, more creativity, and improved higher level thinking skills.
Higher Test Scores
Much research had demonstrated that foreign language learners consistently outperform others on standardized tests. According to the College Board, which administers the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), students who completed at least four years of a foreign language showed improved performance of at least 100 points on both the verbal and math portions of the SAT compared to students studying a half year or less.
Other studies relate bilingual ability with higher scores on verbal and nonverbal IQ tests.
Second language students improve their chances of college acceptance. Students are generally more successful during college and less likely to drop out.
Learning a Foreign Language Improves Career Opportunities
There are many ways knowing a foreign language can benefit your career. A growing number of businesses need to communicate with people in foreign countries, either inside their own company, or with other corporations or governments. They require people who can communicate in different languages and are aware of differences between cultures.
There are many people living in the U.S. whose main language is not English. In order to interact with as many people as possible, many professionals will find it useful to speak a second language. Here is a list of some of these jobs: government, military, translators and interpreters, medical personnel, social workers, teachers, police, firefighters, marketing, hospitality and many more.
Better Understanding Of The World
Globalization is a fact of life. You can see, living in the U.S., the impact of different cultures and lifestyles.
Learning another language improves communication and cultural perspective. Studies have even found that foreign language learners are less biased against other cultures. Being able to interact with different people benefits all countries and increases world security.
Whether you learn to speak French, Spanish or some other language, you now know why its a such a good idea. If you would like an easy, inexpensive way to learn or improve your french, the Rocket French program offers 6 free lessons.