Why Learning a Foreign Language is Important
Learning a foreign language is being added to graduation requirements in many school districts. You understand that learning a foreign language is valuable to your child’s education. But what do you say when they question why they should make the effort to learn French or Spanish?
Many people find it difficult to learn a foreign language. It doesn’t come overnight, but if they stick with it, most people will achieve a minimum proficiency. Students usually prefer to pick a language that interests them. Most U.S. students learn French, Spanish or Latin, but Russian, German and Chinese are some of the other options.
So, why learn a foreign language?
Benefits Academic Progress in Other Subjects
Research shows that learning a second language can improve your grades in English class? That may not surprise you, but this might – it also results in better mathematical abilities. In addition, foreign language study helps:
– memory
– creativity
– communication and listening skills
– complex problem solving
– spatial abilities
– abstract thinking.
Perform Better on Standardized Tests
Much research had demonstrated that foreign language learners consistently outperform others 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 both the verbal and math portions of the SAT compared to students studying a half year or less.
Other studies relate bilingual proficiency with higher scores on tests of both verbal and nonverbal intelligence.
Second language students improve their chances of college acceptance. Students are likely to earn better grades in college and less likely to drop out.
Learning a Second Language Enhances Career Opportunities
There are many ways learning a foreign language can help your career. More and more businesses need to communicate with people in different countries, whether within their own company, or with other corporations or governments. Workers are necessary who speak foreign languages and comprehend different customs.
There are lots of people living in the U.S. whose main language is not English. In order to communicate with a wide range of people, many professionals will find it helpful to understand another 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 beneficial or necessary include government, the military, law, sales and marketing, travel and hospitality, teaching, translation and communications.
Gain Insight Into Other Societies
The world seems to be getting smaller all the time. It’s obvious, living in the U.S., the impact of various cultures and lifestyles.
Understanding a foreign language improves communication and cultural perspective. Researchers have discovered that foreign language learners are less biased against other cultures. The ability to exchange ideas with people from other backgrounds benefits societies and improves global security.
So you can see that there really are many good reasons to learn to speak French speak Spanish or any other language.
If you would like an easy, inexpensive way to learn or improve your french, try the Rocket French program.