Written by Valerie Huang
Each day, the world grows more and more interconnected. However, oftentimes people encounter barriers from communication issues. These misunderstandings are created by differences in languages, which is a gap education systems across the globe have attempted to bridge by offering foreign languages as classes for students to take. Students who learn foreign languages in school have advantages in the workforce and are taught to broaden their perspectives through cross-cultural exposure.
Students who learn languages in school often have advantages when it comes to getting a job and working in a professional environment. Today’s world focuses heavily on connection, specifically the connections between different regions of the world. Thousands of companies operate worldwide, where they are involved in international trade or have other types of global business relationships. Employees who can speak more than one language are more desirable because they “are often asked to travel for work, enhance these relationships, or be relocated abroad” (“Learn a Second Language”). Employees who speak more than one language are “in big demand in the government, private and non-profit sectors” (“Why Learn Languages”). They are especially valuable in the United States, where “a large proportion of jobs involve work with immigrants and/or are the result of trade with foreign countries” (“Study a Foreign Language”). Such adaptability to different business and work sectors allow for a more flexible candidate, who is able to demonstrate better communication and relationships.
Students who learn foreign languages in school also tend to have broader perspectives and stronger cultural connections with others. They often interact with very different cultures with unique traditions and perspectives—language classes not only teach grammar and vocabulary, but they also teach about cultures related to the language. Thus, through learning another language, students also develop “empathy and tolerance towards diverse peoples and reduc[e] prejudice” (“Study a Foreign Language”). They learn to respect a diverse range of people and become more tolerant and accepting of differences. Through language learning, students are also able to appreciate many aspects of other cultures, such as movies, dances, music, food, and more (“Why Study a Foreign Language?”). They gain knowledge that their native language and culture may lack.
Ultimately, students who learn foreign languages have advantages over those who do not, from being more desirable in the job market to having broader perspectives. Although nowadays STEM classes are growing in popularity and often seen as the most important, it is important to remember that human interaction will still be a part of our future. Therefore, learning another language in school is an effective way to cross language barriers and strengthen connections with a more diverse group of people.
Sources
“Why Learn Languages.” Lead with Languages, 10 Jan. 2017, https://www.leadwithlanguages.org/why-learn-languages/middle-high-school/.
“Why Study a Foreign Language?.” University of North Georgia, https://ung.edu/college-of-arts-and-letters/languages/why-study-a-foreign-language.php.
“Why You Should Learn a Second Language and Gain New Skills.” Middlebury Language Schools, 12 May 2020, https://www.middlebury.edu/language-schools/blog/why-you-should-learn-second-language-and-gain-new-skills.
“Why You Should Study a Foreign Language.” Ithaca College, https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-humanities-and-sciences/modern-languages-and-literatures/why-you-should-study-foreign-language.
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