Learn A Second Language

I think it is naÐ"Їve of the United States to not require a mandatory foreign language in its schools. I believe it is paramount for Americans to learn a second language to not only better themselves, but to strengthen their country as well. Being bilingual has too much upside to dismiss. The United States currently has no foreign language policy in place, but large-scale immigration from Latin America and Asia in recent years has convinced many Americans that English should be made the official language of the United States. I disagree. I propose two viable options: to introduce a foreign language to students at an early age, in elementary school, or to make a foreign language mandatory for a bachelor’s degree. Although some people believe the entire world should speak English, the reality is that all Americans should have some degree of formal education in a foreign language.

Foreign language skills could have a positive impact on race relations in America. The number of minorities in America is rapidly increasing. In fact, "minority" groups could soon form a collective "majority" of the citizens in America. Considering the facts that many minority groups speak English as a second language and America has no official language, compulsory foreign language classes are viable options. Of course, opponents of mandatory foreign language courses will say that immigrants and naturalized citizens should learn and speak the main language of the United States, English. It’s a valid point, but misses the bigger picture. People who speak English as a second language are already bilingual, while American-born students typically are not. Language is the most fundamental aspect of a culture. Students who learn the not-so-foreign language of the predominant minority group in their region of the country will gain at least some insight into the different culture of their neighbors and perhaps have a better understanding of them at the personal level.

Students around the world are learning a second language at an early age. “In the Middle East, English study has long been standard, beginning as early as 1st grade… Since Japan adjusted its national curriculum in 2002, English has already become standard in lower grades. More than nine in 10 elementary schools have English programs, most of them beginning in the 1st grade. ” (Manzo) A similar program should be standard in America. Another option for teaching another language is “immersion.” Immersion is a sink or swim method of teaching a second language by using the language as a tool, instead of the subject. I know this method is effective, because I learned the majority of my Spanish through immersion. I was enrolled in a Spanish-only class in Nicaragua for several months. I learned Spanish quickly because I had no other choice but to adapt to the language. Nancy Rhodes, the director of foreign-language education at the Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington D.C. believes that “Immersion education is by far the best type of program in the U.S. for children to learn a foreign language.” (Chaker D1)

Colleges offer foreign language courses. They should require them. Many colleges have required classes that have to be taken in order to get a degree. Not every class you take will have practical applications in your everyday life. Why not substitute some of the less useful classes for something more substantial? From a purely academic point of view, courses in foreign languages are simply elements of a well-rounded education. Hunter College in New York City has a four-semester foreign language policy. Some students may voice disapproval because a required foreign language course will leave them with one less elective course. However, proponents of the mandatory courses say the benefits outweigh the costs. Dr. Annette Kym, the coordinator of the German language program at Hunter supports the foreign language policy, “In a globalized world, its essential, its important that you have [knowledge of a second language]. By the end of the fourth semester students have already developed survival skills: [that is], they [should be able to] carry on face-to-face conversations on topics dealing with themselves, daily life, etc., [and be able to] perform task in the target environment.” (qtd. In Malcom 12)

Such advocates see requiring foreign language as no different than requiring history, sociology, or mathematics. Not all students enjoy these courses or would elect to take them, but there are students who discover they truly enjoy these courses and choose to pursue them further, students who would never have been exposed to them had they not been required. As far as losing an elective opportunity, students would be free to choose the language they wish to study. Also, the foreign language chosen need not necessarily be a modern language. For example, though labeled a "dead" language, Latin is considered a foreign language and would fulfill the requirement. A foreign language course is like any other course. It is what you make of it. If you believe the class will be dull and boring, it will be. If you look at the course as a challenge and an opportunity, it will be.

Foreign language skills can be beneficial in promoting American foreign interests. In a global economy, doing business abroad is paramount, but language barriers can be a burden. Many people see China as a rising economic force. China has the second largest economy behind the United States, and it’s just a matter of time before China surpasses the U.S. Former Michigan State superintendent of schools Tom Watkins agrees. He thinks that Americans should learn Chinese. “One fifth of the world’s population lives in China. There are more