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I realize that most of your are taking this Spanish class, not because you want to, but because you have to...and that takes some of the fun out of it. I'd like to tell you that this will be an enriching experience for you. Knowing more than one language is good for your life and your heart. But I'm your teacher! I'm supposed to say that! If you don't want to take my word for it, please watch this charming video and these cute little children will tell you why they think it's important.

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Why these multilingual school kids want to learn more languages

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2. My Two Cents: How It Can Enrich Your Life

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2. My Two Cents: How It Can Enrich Your Life

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I love the previous YouTube clip because it's a true example of the innate intelligence of young minds. Their openness to learning is met with enthusiasm that's contagious. It reminds us that knowing more than one language is a passport to the world. It will allow you to experience new cultures through the eyes of an insider. knowing more languages opens the world to traveling, new people, books, television shows, movies, and many other important elements of culture.
Spanish is not the most exotic language but it is one of the top 3 most spoken in the world. Think of how many doors that opens? Think of all of the places in the world you can visit and how the ability to communicate with the natives will enhance your experience.
Speaking multiple languages boosts your brain skills and grows your heart. Remember this while you're in my class and you will love the time you spend here. I'm excited for you to embark on this journey with me.

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In your journals, answer these 3 questions about the YouTube video in step 1:
1. What most surprised you about the way these children view foreign languages?
2. What in the video impacted the way you view learning a second language the most?
3. Do you think we, in the United States, should be begin enforcing second language acquisition in elementary schools?

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4. WATCH: Ted-Ed Tells Us About The Benefits of Being Bilingual

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4. WATCH: Ted-Ed Tells Us About The Benefits of Being Bilingual

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The benefits of a bilingual brain - Mia Nacamulli

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6. READ: Top 10 Reasons to Learn Languages

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6. READ: Top 10 Reasons to Learn Languages

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This article explains how languages keep us connected to our neighborhoods and the world!

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10 Benefits of Learning a Second Language | Lead with Languages

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You've heard all the reasons why some people don't learn languages, many of these founded on long-held myths and misconceptions. The truth is, in today's increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, proficiency in other languages is a vital skill that gives you the opportunity to engage with the world in a more immediate and meaningful way-whether in your neighborhood or thousands of miles away-while better preparing you to compete and succeed in the global economy.

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8. APPLY: After Completing Steps 5-7, Write A One Page Essay That Makes One Strong Argument In Favor Of Acquiring A Second Language.  

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8. APPLY: After Completing Steps 5-7, Write A One Page Essay That Makes One Strong Argument In Favor Of Acquiring A Second Language.  

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As you have watched and read, there are many benefits to being bilingual or multilingual. Which one one do you think is most impactful?

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5. READ: Learn Why America Is Behind The Curve When It Comes To Foreign Language Education

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5. READ: Learn Why America Is Behind The Curve When It Comes To Foreign Language Education

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A popular stereotype of Americans traveling abroad is the tourist who is at a loss when it comes to coping with any language other than English. Fair or not, the fact is that while the U.S. does not have a national requirement for students to learn a foreign language in school, the typical European pupil must study multiple languages in the classroom before becoming a teen.

Studying a second foreign language for at least one year is compulsory in more than 20 European countries. In most European countries, students begin studying their first foreign language as a compulsory school subject between the ages of 6 and 9, according to a 2012 report from Eurostat, the statistics arm of the European Commission. This varies by country and sometimes within a country, with the German-speaking Community of Belgium - one of the three federal communities of Belgium- starting its 3-year-olds on a foreign language, but parts of the United Kingdom (excluding Scotland) waiting until age 11.

Ireland and Scotland are two exceptions that do not have compulsory language requirements, but Irish students learn both English and Gaelic (neither is considered a foreign language); Scottish schools are still obligated to offer at least one foreign-language option to all students ages 10-18. English is the most-studied foreign language across almost all European countries and at all education levels. Fully 73% of primary students in Europe and more than nine-in-ten secondary students were learning English at school in 2009-10, the most recent years with available data.

Although some countries mandate that students learn English as their foreign language, the portion of pupils studying it remains high across the board, even in countries without this rule. French and German were the next-most popular languages in most countries, with Spanish and Russian also widely taught as foreign languages in certain regions of the continent. The percentage of students learning some other language was below 5% in most countries.

Meanwhile, the U.S. does not have a nationwide foreign-language mandate at any level of education. Many states allow individual school districts to set language requirements for high school graduation, and primary schools have very low rates of even offering foreign-language course work. Some foreign-language learning standards can be met by taking non-language classes. For example, California requires one course in either the arts or a foreign language (including American Sign Language) for all high school students. Oklahomans can opt to take two years of the same foreign language or "of computer technology approved for college admission requirements." Conversely, New Jersey students must earn "at least five credits in world languages" or demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English before they can graduate high school.

Perhaps because of these varying standards, few Americans who claim to speak a non-English language say that they acquired those skills in school. Only 25% of American adults self-report speaking a language other than English, according to the 2006 General Social Survey. Of those who know a second language, 43% said they can speak that language "very well." Within this subset of multilinguals who are well-versed in a non-English language, 89% acquired these skills in the childhood home, compared with 7% citing school as their main setting for language acquisition.

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Learning a foreign language a 'must' in Europe, not so in America

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Studying a second foreign language for at least one year is compulsory in more than 20 European countries. In most European countries, students begin studying their first foreign language as a compulsory school subject between the ages of 6 and 9.

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7. READ: It's Good For Your Social Life!

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7. READ: It's Good For Your Social Life!

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Everyone has their own reasons for learning a language, but here's what they all share in common: receiving life-changing benefits. In this article, language teacher Carol Beth will show you six social benefits of learning a foreign language...
Learning a foreign language can benefit you in real and measurable ways. In fact, the benefits of being bilingual include higher salaries, more job opportunities, and healthier lives.

And yet, despite evidence that learning a foreign language is incredibly beneficial, many Americans remain monolingual. Even with language courses in school, the majority of young adults speak only a single language. Learning a language as a child can avoid many roadblocks that adults and young adults frequently face.

Learning a language isn't just beneficial for practical reasons, like boosting your career options - it's great for improving your social life too. Let's take a look at six social benefits you'll receive from learning a foreign language:

1) Communication

Picture this - you just got dropped off in a country you've always wanted to visit. Now what? Are you going to pull out a travel dictionary to find everything you need? You shouldn't, because a translation book will not benefit your experience at all.

Knowing a foreign language will open up an entire new world for you. Even though English is one of the most-spoken languages in the world, it can be difficult to find someone who can speak English for every situation. One of the greatest joys of learning a language is being able to speak it with the locals. By communicating with native speakers, you'll learn more about the language, your surroundings, and other people very quickly.

Making connections with others is a big part of improving your language skills. For example, if you communicate with a foreign student, maybe they'll recommend a class you can take to improve your accent. If you speak to a hotel clerk, perhaps they'll give you a list of places they think tourists would like to see. You'll never know what you'll learn from other people by communicating in their language.

2) Heritage

For families who have ties to another country (i.e. descendants), learning the family's language can help connect you with your heritage. By learning the "family language" earlier on, children can grow up with a strong sense of pride for their cultural background.

Some cities with high populations of heritage speakers have schools with bilingual or immersion programs in response to growing demand. Some high schools offer courses that allow students to earn credit while advancing more quickly in their target language. These programs also let students focus on elements of the language that may be the most useful for them.

3) Early Career Preparation

Many communities in the United States have become increasingly diverse over the years. The number of foreign-language speakers in the U.S. has increased by 32% since 2000. Hiring managers may prefer (or require) applicants who speak more than one language, especially if a non-English language is prominent in the hiring area.
See Also: Not Enough People Speak a Foreign Language in the U.S.
It's a good idea to learn another language much earlier than just before you apply for jobs. That way, you'll have a head start and your proficiency will be higher. Some of the more common languages in the U.S. ( other than English) include: Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, French, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic, German, Navajo, and American Sign Language.

4) New Ways of Thinking

Speaking multiple languages means being able to think in more than one way. For students, this flexible way of thinking means schoolwork often becomes more manageable. Research has shown that students who learn a second language jump ahead of their peers cognitively.

According to a study by the National Institute of Health (NIH), bilingual children can switch between tasks more quickly than monolingual children. The reason is because bilingual brains are wired to toggle back and forth between languages, depending on the circumstances. Therefore, switching between tasks is as natural to them as switching between languages.

An article by The Hanen Centre states that bilingual individuals can focus more easily on specific tasks. Attention and problem-solving increases as individuals become more proficient in another language. In terms of academics, bilingual children tend to outscore classmates not only in language, but also in math and science.

See Also: Brain Benefits and Other Advantages of Learning a Foreign Language

5) Global and Multicultural Perspective

Learning a language often means learning about the culture associated with it. Children who are familiar with several cultures will become familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each. In turn, they'll likely find it easier to understand and be more accepting of people from other cultures.

According to a research paper from Osaka Jogakuin College, children who are bilingual and bicultural from a young age may not adopt exactly the same proportions of each culture; rather by trial and error, they'll decide what works best for them. This process may not always be a conscious decision - they'll choose which cultural elements to adapt simply by experiencing the elements of both.

Regardless of how they identify with each culture, bicultural children are placed in a unique position - they're able to connect with groups in ways that not everyone can. Individuals with bilingual capabilities tend to have a larger global perspective than monolinguals.

6) Proficiency and Accent

Accents are typically developed over time as individuals increase their proficiency. One benefit of having an accent is being able to deliver clear dialogue to other native speakers. Children have the advantageous opportunity to learn a language to native (or near-native) proficiency and speak with little to no accent.

Many studies on the subject share the theme that "the younger the individual is when he/she is exposed to a new language, the greater the probability of acquiring native pronunciation, as well as proficiency in that language."

The most well-equipped ages for language learning range from preschool or kindergarten age to around age 12. Older beginners can still learn a language quite well, but it may take them longer, and moreover, their accent will likely never match that of a native speaker. It's never too early or too late to learn, however, for those who want to benefit from learning a foreign language.
Know anymore social benefits of learning a foreign language? Comment below!
Learning a foreign language is one of the most rewarding experiences you can receive. Whether you want to travel the world or learn a new language for fun, sign up with a private language instructor today and expand your cultural horizons!

Post Author: Carol Beth L.
Carol Beth L. teaches French lessons in San Francisco, CA. She has her Masters in French language education from the Sorbonne University in Paris and has been teaching since 2009. Learn more about Carol Beth here!

Photo by Didriks

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The Social Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

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Everyone has their own reasons for learning a language, but here's what they all share in common: receiving life-changing benefits. In this article, language teacher Carol Beth will show you six social benefits of learning a foreign language... Learning a foreign language can benefit you in real and measurable ways.