Benefits of World Language Study

To know another language is to have a second soul.

Charlemagne 742-814


Why should I study a world language?

 Cognitive Benefits

Language learning enhances higher order thinking skills such as critical thinking, conceptualizing, and reasoning.

Research says sustained language learning relates positively to higher level thinking skills.

World language learners demonstrate greater creativity and divergent thinking than monolingual students.

Language learning promotes flexibility in thinking, sensitivity to language, and better listening skills.

Academic Benefits

Research demonstrates that students who study a world language improve their scores on the verbal sections of standardized exams, including the SAT and ACT tests. Scores continue to climb with each additional year of language study.

Students who complete at least four years of world language learning increase their academic skills in other subject areas.

According to Nancy Zarenda in "Learning Spanish Makes Dollars and Sense," foreign language study "not only makes sense for travelers who wish to enhance their experience abroad and for students who are fulfilling graduation or college entrance requirements, but it has become a survival skill ... for those who are preparing to gain a competitive edge in employment" (Language Magazine July/August 2003).

Societal Benefits

Language learning provides career advantages in local and international marketplace.

World language learning promotes the acceptance of others and validates the importance of global citizenship.

Students who learn a second language expand their cultural horizons within and beyond the walls of the classroom.

Cultural knowledge bridges the distance among global communities.

Conclusion

  • Learning another language opens the door to other cultures and helps a student understand and appreciate the diversity of people from other countries. 
  • The United States must have quality language programs in our schools, so all students will graduate with the ability to interact linguistically and culturally with people from many countries. The earlier one learns a second language, the better.
  • Students who are competent in at least two languages will dramatically increase the U.S. capabilities in diplomacy, in world trade and in human understanding.


Some feedback from our students and parents:

~"You motivated the students and made learning fun. Thank you for your part in my son's education."

~"I think I have an easier time than most of the kids in my college class and some of them have had language for five years. I know it definitely helped that we only spoke in the foreign language."

~"If not for your education and support throughout my high school career, I would not have accomplished my goals."

~"The memories of my foreign language class will be with me for my whole life."

~"My daughter scored so highly on the foreign language test that she earned 6 college credits as a result and fulfilled her requirement for the foreign language class."

~"My experience in language class helped me conquer many of life's problems."

~"Having language at the end of the day was always enjoyable. I always had something to look forward to at the end of the day."

~"More than just language, you taught me lessons about life. My trip to Europe this year was amazing and was altogether a life changing experience. It awakened a passion in me that I never knew I had, and I now feel that I must go back someday."

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