Language is a way for people to communicate, share stories, and learn about cultures. Thousands of languages are spoken around the world, each with its own history. Language helps people better understand each other and build strong relationships. It also plays a role in passing down traditions from generation to generation. So the question stands: Should teens learn a second language?
The benefits of learning a second language
Focusing on learning a second language helps teenagers succeed in many things. It improves their thinking skills by teaching them to solve problems and how to handle different situations that can come their way. It helps strengthen memory by challenging their brains to remember how to use grammar, phrases, and pronounce words correctly. Also, it teaches them how to multitask by switching between languages. Learning another language opens up better job opportunities not just for teens but adults as well because you are making yourself more marketable in the workforce and in doing so raising your value. Employers often look for bilingual employees so they can better communicate with customers and help with business deals.
How to Prioritize Language Education
Unfortunately, some schools don’t prioritize learning a second language, leaving teens without these benefits. According to preply.com, statistics show that only 20% of public school students have studied foreign languages before entering college. Many states do not require a language class to graduate, New Jersey is one of the few that do. To solve this problem, schools and parents should work together to make learning a second language more important and fun. Schools can do this by creating programs where students prioritize speaking and correcting pronunciation rather than memorizing words and grammar. Activities like language clubs, cultural events, and international exchange programs can make learning more enjoyable. Parents could help by encouraging teens to practice at home. Some ways are by watching movies, listening to music, or reading books in a new language. With these efforts, both schools and parents can allow teens to enjoy and learn a second language.
Destiny Diaz, a junior at Howell High School who speaks Spanish and takes Spanish classes at school said, “The biggest benefit I would say about learning a second language is being able to communicate with people and learning about their cultures.” When asked whether or not she thinks learning a second language should be mandatory to graduate she replied, “Yes, I think it is important to take a foreign language class because it can help you with job opportunities in the future and it looks good for colleges.”
Long-term Benefits
As the unitedlanguagegroup.com website claims, people who speak more than one language have an easier time staying focused and can block out information that is not important. This is because bilingual individuals are constantly switching languages in their minds. They focus on the language they’re using and block out the one they’re not. This ability helps them filter out information that isn’t important. This skill is useful for teens because they deal with many distractions and responsibilities like balancing school, work, homework, sports, clubs, relationships, etc. Focusing and blocking unimportant information can help them study and manage their time better. Some people might argue that teens already have too much to deal with and that learning another language could stress them out. However, the long-term benefits of knowing another language outweigh the short-term challenges such as problem-solving skills and better job opportunities. Not to mention there are ways to make learning fun and stress-free, like playing games. If schools don’t prioritize learning a second language, teens could miss out on the benefits and opportunities it provides.
Why It’s Important
Why is it so important for teens to learn a second language? It isn’t just about adding a new skill, it’s about teens understanding cultures, better communicating with others, and opening up new opportunities when it comes to careers. By supporting language education, we help teens build the confidence they need to start learning a second language. Whether it’s through a class, or app, or watching a show in another language, it’s an investment in their future and an investment in themselves.
