Should Foreign Language Be Mandatory Essay

Should foreign language be mandatory in a student’s education? As of right now, many colleges require you to have at least two fulfilled language credits, and some even require three or four. There is an argument to be seen here, because some people would argue that foreign language is completely necessary in the growth of a student, while others would say that it does not help, especially with the way it is being implemented in schools. The article “Organizational Principles and Content of Early Foreign Language Learning in the USA” written by Iryna Biletska, provides evidence to state that it should be taught, while James Hendrickson writes in the “Error Correction in Foreign Language Teaching: Recent Theory, Research, and Practice” article

“Today, in this country an educational sector “Foreign Language” plays a special role along with other humanities in the development of young individuals, especially the role of early foreign language learning is highlighted” (Biletska 33). Biletska states how foreign language has a positive effect on students towards diversity and growth when she writes that “Early foreign language learning also affects the development of cognitive abilities, academic achievements, letting children get acquainted with other cultures, which affects the development of positive attitudes towards diversity” (34). She is proving that when a student takes time to learn a new language, the language can help them become more aware of aspects of non-dominant cultures. This helps society as a whole to become more accustomed to diversity, which is a benefit presented in the of studying foreign language. Biletska quotes Mary Redmond, a foreign language director and Executive Secretary of the National Network of early language learning, when she writes that “children should start learning foreign language in kindergarten and continue during the years of schooling. Language learning helps improve the skills of listening, memory, creativity and critical thinking that comprise and intellectual process that affects learning in general” (34). Redmond emphasizes that the controlled consistency of studying a foreign language, starting in elementary school and continuing throughout high school, can truly help one achieve the greater knowledge of the language and culture presented. Learning a language cannot be perfected within one semester, therefore taking the time to learn a foreign language can help a student better their skills and their creativity