AE/MS seventh grader Lexi Emeny wrote this paper as a “persuasive essay” assignment. Because foreign language study has been a topic of discussion at School Board meetings and at the annual School District Meeting, we present Lexi’s paper to the community here.

The Knowledge of a Foreign Language: Endless Possibilities

American journalist Flora Lewis once said, “Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.” This is completely true. A second language gives people a much greater understanding of things. It expands the mind’s point of view and opens up the learner’s attitude and feelings.

Imagine a world where people all comprehend each other, all relate, and children are eager to meet people and explore other lands. Learning a language that is not your own will help to accomplish all of this.

Students should be taught a foreign language class. It can improve the relationships between countries, can be useful for cultural sensitivity, can be helpful in a work environment, and is easier to learn at a younger age.

Learning a second language supports students’ academic achievement. Studies have shown that students taking a language class score higher on math and language classes than students who were not (Armstrong, P. W., & Rogers, J. D.). There have been other studies that have similar results.

Director of Foreign Language Education, Associate Professor of Education at Wake Forest University, and the Executive Secretary of the National Network for Early Language Learning Mary Lynn Redmond says, “Children should start learning a foreign language in kindergarten and continue through high school. Learning languages helps increase listening ability, memory, creativity, and critical thinking – all of which are thinking processes that increase learning in general.” Redmond also believes that foreign language study exposes children to other ways of looking at the world (Walker).

Foreign language skills are useful in a work environment. International business and trade requires lots of traveling. How is it possible to do business with someone who is not understandable? The easiest way to do this is to use a translator. Translators are not always available, and they can be expensive. Surveys of past market representatives reveal that daily interpretation fees are from $600 to $1,200 per day (AIIC).

In this situation, someone who is bilingual comes in handy. If more companies can speak more than one language, it will expand the business, and they will be able to work with more countries. This will ultimately improve the economy and give people more jobs. Redmond says, “The work force has an increased demand for people who can speak foreign languages at a sophisticated level. This is not limited to the corporate world.”

Knowing a foreign language is useful for cultural sensitivity and awareness. Studying a second language gives children an appreciation for other cultures. Awareness of global community can be intensified when students have the opportunity to experience collaboration with a different culture through another language. “The positive impact of cultural information is significantly enhanced when that information is experienced through foreign language and accompanied by experiences in culturally authentic situations.” (Curtain & Dahlberg).

People who have learned a foreign language are more open-minded and thoughtful towards culture. Cultural awareness acknowledges that everyone is defined by their cultural background. It impacts how people see themselves and the world and how individuals connect with others. It includes a comprehension of how fundamental presumptions, actions, benefits, and convictions can be told by a person’s culture (Cultural Diversity in Ageing).

Cultural sensitivity is important for the guidance through the procedure of revelation. A more intense understanding of an individual’s role in the world is then developed. Cultural awareness can also encourage children to view things from different perspectives and can help them make better choices. They can gain useful skills that will be with them throughout their lives (Picardo).

It is easier to learn a language at a younger age. Children are more eager to absorb the information than adults are. They look at it as a game more than work. Also, most students enjoy learning. Teachers are able to include activities and videos into their teaching.

Learning a foreign language as an adult might not be as enjoyable as learning as a child, and adults and children are taught differently. Learning by doing activities and other things can help with understanding the language and culture. Learning as an adult, without the projects and games, does not provide as much understanding in the language as learning as a child.

Research shows that children who learn a language before adolescence may have a better chance to attain the correct pronunciation. Also, it suggests that children who have learned a language earlier on test better than older students. Learning another language also strengthens study of the English language (ForceChange).

It should be mandatory for students to partake in learning a second language. It is less difficult to learn another language at a younger age; foreign language skills can be valuable in business environments and can help with cultural sensitivity; and a second language can improve academic skills. Many studies have shown all of these things.

It is guaranteed that the future will be more successful if students are taught a foreign language. Countries in the world already have a second language in their curriculum, and many do not. It will bring the world together, country by country, language by language.

Think about what is best for childrens’ future. The knowledge of another language is an amazing thing. It expands the mind and makes everything so much more interesting.

Works Cited

Armstrong, P. W., & Rogers, J. D. (1997). Basic skills revisited: The Effects of Foreign Language Instruction on Reading, Math, and Language Arts. “Learning Languages”, 2(3), 20-31

Walker, Cheryl. “Foreign Language Study Important in Elementary School.” Foreign Language Study Important in Elementary School, 26 June 2004. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.

“Children Must Be Taught Foreign Languages Earlier.” ForceChange. , 2014. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.

AIIC. “How Much Will It Cost.” Aiic.net. AIIC World, 2002. Web. 10 Mar. 2014.

Cultural Diversity in Ageing. “Cultural Awareness.” Cultural Awareness. Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing, 2010. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.

Picardo, Jose. “Why Students Need a Global Awareness and Understanding of Other Cultures.” TheGuardian.com. Guardian News and Media, 25 Sept. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.