What are the Benefits of Learning a Second Language

I'm often asked what I plan to do with a foreign language major. Usually people assume I want become a translator or even a teacher, but neither of these are my reason for deciding to major in Russian. For me studying a second language has greatly altered my perception of other countries and it has even made me question the way I view my own country. Learning a language opens a window into another region of the world, helping understand the history, culture, and politics of a particular country. Language can be seen as the basic instrument we use to connect with one another, to our communities, and even to our entire nation (Berman).

It's true that being bilingual or multilingual can help in many areas of life including career, academic, and even social settings. A second language might significantly boost a job applicant's resume, but that's just the beginning of its widespread benefits. Studies have shown that, " foreign language learners consistently out perform control groups in core subject ares on standardized tests" (Armstrong & Rogers). The benefits aren't solely related to vocabulary and speech but all other academic areas such as, mathematics, science, writing, and reading.

If the benefits of learning a second language are so broad and far reaching, why isn't foreign language study a more integral part of elementary, high school, and college curriculum across the Nation? This is where my interest began to deviate from my original question, " What are the Benefits of Learning a Second Language", to understanding why language study has been put on the back burner in American schools. Why isn't language study considered an essential part or a "core" academic subject area (Peckham)? Language acquisition is just as vital to overall education as math and science classes, and may be considered even more important in our ever globalizing world.

The United States was founded upon the idea of bringing people of all countries and backgrounds together to form a single unified nation. And English acted as the major unifying factor, but even now when the number of immigrants in the United states is at its highest point, only about 15% of citizens speak a second language. If U.S. students wish to compete in the global job market after graduation they are likely at a disadvantage to the European Union. This 15 country union has promoted language study and nearly 50% of it's citizens are bilingual (Dulfano & Kwan). How can we truly call ourselves a global society if we refuse to learn the languages and cultures of the rest of the world? If the United States wishes to remain a major player in the globalized world, foreign language study needs to become a fundamental part of education at all levels.

Armstrong, P.W. and J.D. Rogers. (1997). Basic Skills Revisited: The Effects of Foreign

Language Instruction on Reading, Math and Language Arts.” Learning Languages,

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Berman, Russel. "Foreign Language for Foreign Policy?." insidehighered.com. N.p., 28/11/2010. Web. 18 Sep 2011. <http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2010/11/23/berman>.

Dulfano, Isabel, and Jill Kwan. "FLAME-Foreign Language Alternative Mastery Example: The FLAME Approach in Its Evolution." Hispania. 90.1 (2007): 123-30. Print.

Peckham, Robert. "Getting Down to the Core with Foreign Language Advocacy."Language Journal. 61.2 (2010): 7-9. Print.