Should American students be required to learn a second language?
economic | multicultural | attribute | facilitate | distinct
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Think Scientifically
Think Scientifically
Mr. Seemy’s students return from their foreign language class full of new words and ideas, but Erik is doubtful about the benefits attributed to studying a second language.
“I know learning a new language helps me to appreciate our multicultural community, but does it do anything else?” says Erik.
“Actually,” says Chelsea, “learning a second language has economic benefits because it can help you find a job.”
“That’s true!” chimes in Mr. Seemy. “But did you know that it also helps facilitate brain development?”
“Wow, really? Does that mean that speaking two languages can actually physically change your brain?” asks Erik.
Erik is interested in this topic and finds an information sheet on “neuroplasticity” of the brain to share with his classmates.
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity can be described as “the ability to adapt to ongoing changes and to process information efficiently and adaptively.”¹ Think of it as mental flexibility. Just as you can exercise your muscles to make them strong, you can exercise your brain to make it work quickly, efficiently, and accurately.
People who are bilingual challenge their brains to function in two distinct languages at the same time, which exercises the frontal lobes of their brains. The frontal lobe is where the brain makes quick decisions, plans, solves problems, and processes language.
Scans of bilingual people’s brains show that, on average, their frontal lobes are stronger and more active than those of monolingual people’s.1
Data Sources:
- Bialystock, E., Craik, F., & Luk, G. (2012). Bilingualism: consequences for brain and mind. Trends in Cognitive Science.
- Kormi-Nouri, R., Moniri, S., & Nilsson, L. (2003). Episodic and semantic memory in bilingual and monolingual children.
- Bialystock, E., Craik, F., Klein, R., & Viswanathan, M. (2004). Bilingualism, Aging & Cognitive Control – evidence from the Simon Test.
What other everyday activities might a bilingual person potentially be better at because of their efficient frontal lobe?
What other experiments would you like to see conducted with both monolingual and bilingual people to see if there are additional benefits of speaking two languages?
Discussion Question:
As of 2008, only 58 percent of all middle schools in the U.S. offered foreign language instruction. While over 90 percent of high schools offered a foreign language, studies have shown that students are able to adopt a new language more easily at a young age. Are foreign languages offered at your school and in your district? Discuss with your classmates how you might be able to use these data to convince the administrators in your district to strengthen your foreign language program.
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