Getting A Second Language Essay

For many, the world seems like an intimidating place. This planet is home to over seven billion humans. Among these inhabitants, there are roughly 6,500 languages being used to communicate between one another. The United States alone hosts over 311 languages, English being the most common. But how is one supposed to communicate with the people in their country only knowing English? Encountering another a person who speaks another language in the course of one’s lifetime is simply inevitable. Despite the arguments regarding requiring a foreign language in high schools as pointless or a waste of time, being able to speak multiple languages can prove to be very beneficial throughout one’s lifetime.

Opposers of requiring a foreign language for

As reported by Marie Anderson from Our Daily Life, “ A 2007 publication cited several studies showing that students who study a foreign language have higher scores on standardized tests in math, reading and social studies.” The site also reports students generally have higher scores on tests such as the SAT and ACT. Without taking a foreign language, teens may not have the qualities it takes to get a high enough score on a college entrance exam in order to get a scholarship, or even to get accepted. Matthew Lynch from The Huffington Post also adds, “Bilingual children are able to focus more intently on the topics at hand and avoid distractions from academic pursuits. They are also able to demonstrate higher levels of cognitive flexibility.” This means that teens are less likely to be disturbed from their learning and can adapt based on different learning environment and circumstances. Learning a foreign language earlier will also increase fluency in that particular language. Writing and speaking skills will enhance. Due to the many skills being used while speaking other languages, humans brains will be less susceptible to aging

They will have a better understanding about the backgrounds of their fellow classmates and people in their communities. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages stated that learning a foreign language increases one’s understanding of diversity. Being able to understand a person better can strengthen relationships between one another, something very beneficial in school as well as out. When I was in spanish class, we would take notes about the cultures of numerous Spanish speaking countries, many of which were very intriguing. I was able to learn what daily life was like for people in other