Should Students be Required to Learn a Second Language?
By Ashley Weng
Image by Shutterstock
In a world built on global connections, diverse communities, and rapid digital communication, the necessity of language learning has been taken into consideration. Especially due to modern technology, people are allowed to interact with others around the globe, which makes learning new languages necessary in order to communicate. In the United States, many schools are already requiring students to take a language as a mandatory class, but it varies widely by state. Some argue against an obligatory language class because it may put unnecessary stress on students who are already struggling. Others claim that many language classes in the US are ineffective due to a lack of resources and student motivation. While many think that learning a second language in school is futile, others argue that it prepares students for a globalized future and sharpens their minds.
Cons
Adds additional pressure on students
One of the main reasons people argue that schools should not require students to learn a language is because of the pressure it puts pressure on students. Children who are already struggling to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and other time-consuming commitments can become even more stressed with the added responsibility of learning a new language. Additionally, students who are already struggling to excel in their core classes must also contend with this required language class, which can further hinder their progress. If students have a particularly difficult time adjusting to a new language, they may need “extra tutoring in the language” or “a distraction-free learning environment and explicit guidance about language concepts”(Ganschow, Schneider). However, likely, these resources may not be available to students, especially if the language they are learning is less likely to be supported by the school.
Ineffectiveness
Additionally, some argue that learning a second language in school is ineffective and demotivating for students. In school, language class becomes another chore that the student has to study, not a valuable skill that they are actually passionate about. Because language is just another class to many students, “this will have a profoundly negative impact on the decisions he makes, material he uses, and actions he takes along his learning path”(Lampariello). Successfully learning a language requires passion, which many students do not have when it comes to school. Many are willing to take the course simply to get a good grade, but do not take anything away from the class, making it an overall waste of their time. Moreover, while many kids want to learn their native languages, they may not be able to due to a lack of resources or good teachers for that language. Many schools only offer one or two languages to choose from, making it seem useless to the student. Also, in order to properly learn a language, it must be used outside of the classroom as well, which would be difficult to do if schools didn’t have a variety of language courses to choose from.
Pros
Prepares students for the real world
On the other hand, learning a second language helps students go far beyond the classroom walls. Students need to understand that the world does not exist solely in the small reality they create for themselves in their homes with friends and family. Learning new languages opens up children and teens to different cultures that they are unexposed to, allowing them to learn more about others from diverse backgrounds. Being bilingual or speaking more than one language also allows students more advantages for future careers and opportunities. St. Augustine College writes that, “Studies show that bilingual individuals have as much as 35% greater job prospects with their ability to bridge cultural divides and facilitate communication in multicultural environments”(Atlas LS). For example, people who are familiar with more than one language are able to communicate with various customers who may not know English very well. Knowing other languages is advantageous when students transition into the real world, as there is certainly not just one language that reality is built around.
Boosts cognitive development
Learning another language is also extremely important in boosting a student's brain development. It only helps a child or teen nurture skills that they will use for the rest of their lives, like building improved concentration, a better memory, and better communication skills. Also, research suggests that “language learners perform better across a range of academic subjects than students who don’t study a second language”(Spence). Not only do students develop important skills that strengthen their brains, but they also tend to excel more in their studies. Along with this, children also become more creative when they are familiar with another language. This is because “of the thought processes involved in language learning. These include translation, language switching and disciplined study, along with a willingness to learn and adapt”(Spence). Branching out from just one language comes with its beneficial side effects, making learning another language worthwhile.
This image suggests that learning a new language can ultimately strengthen the brain and make individuals smarter. Image by Knowable Magazine.
Conclusion
As shown, requiring students to learn a second language has the potential to create more open-minded, smarter people. It prepares students for a globally diverse world they must face once they complete their education, allowing them to build necessary communication skills. However, some argue that because of a lack of resources and the burdens it puts on struggling students, learning a second language should not be a requirement. At the end of the day, the solution lies in a well-balanced system that works around the negatives of language classes while still encouraging students to enroll in them. This way, schools can aim for both practicality and excellence, so that students have the chance to grow as global citizens without compromising their educational brilliance.
References
Assisting Students with Foreign Language Learning Difficulties in School. (n.d.). LD OnLine. https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/teaching-instruction/assisting-students-foreign-language-learning-difficulties-school
Lampariello, L. (2023, April 28). Why Learning a Foreign Language in School Doesn’t Work (and How to Make it Work) - Luca Lampariello. Luca Lampariello. https://www.lucalampariello.com/learning-a-foreign-language-in-school-doesnt-work/
Ls, A. (2024, July 25). The benefits of speaking multiple languages. Atlas Language Services - Chicago Translation. https://atlasls.com/benefits-of-speaking-multiple-languages/
Spence, C. (2022, April 29). How learning a new language changes your brain | Cambridge English. World of Better Learning | Cambridge University Press & Assessment. https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2022/04/29/learning-language-changes-your-brain/
