Languages are far more than just words; they portray both culture and history. Despite this, the United States is extremely behind in language education compared to other countries.
According to ACTFL.org, “[The United States] is the only developed country in the world for which language learning is not a recognized priority.”
The United States's lack of prioritizing language education is a problem that can easily be solved; the United States should require language classes for all students. Only eleven states require a foreign language for graduation; however, requiring a language in all states would have noticeable benefits for both students and communities.
To start, language is an important way to bring people together. People who only speak one language are closed off from different cultures.
According to the University of North Georgia, "foreign language opens the door to art, music, dance, [and] fashion.”
People who learn foreign languages have the opportunity to watch movies, listen to music, and read books in their original language, which can emphasize cultural significance.
Furthermore, learning a new language brings communities together. Language learning allows people to better understand the world around them. When learning a new language, people can understand how certain customs came to be. Most importantly, learning a second language can allow people to be more accepting of those around them.
According to the University of North Georgia, "foreign language study creates a more positive attitude and less prejudice towards people who are different.”
Ironically, despite the fact that the United States is behind in language learning compared to other countries, it is very diverse. Several communities throughout the United States have a majority of non-native English speakers. Learning a new language wouldn't just help people communicate with people from foreign countries, but foreign languages can help groups get to know the people that live in the same area as them.
Not to mention, learning a foreign language also creates a greater sense of empathy for others. People may not realize how hard learning a second language is until they actually try it for themselves.
If foreign languages were a required class, it would not only benefit communities as a whole, but people as individuals would also greatly benefit as well. Learning a foreign language opens up a variety of new opportunities for people. Besides having an advantage in communication, speaking more than one language provides a greater range of job opportunities. Additionally, language learning is proven to have several intellectual benefits.
According to the University of The Potomac, learning languages “stimulates your brain, improves your attention span,…boosts your creativity,...slows down cognitive decline, improves your memory” and can even help people improve their first language.
Overall, learning a second language should be considered essential in schools. The United States doesn't have to be behind in all the benefits that language learning provides. If language classes become required in school, the benefits will be seen everywhere.