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World Language
Why is learning a foreign language or being bi-lingual so
important? The reasons are vast and impact everyone. A child who
studies a second language at an early age will
experience many benefits:
- additional neuron pathways in the brain
- improved math and science abilities
- analyzing skills and creativity improve
- attitudes are created that are more positive and
less prejudiced toward people who are culturally different
- English vocabulary skill increases
- communication skills, including memory and
listening skills, are sharpened
- quality of English writing and reading skills
improve
- attain higher scores on the SAT and ACT, especially
in the verbal area
- earn retroactive credits for college
The community and marketplace will experience many
benefits from having children learn a world language.
- improved competitiveness
- ease in cooperative international ventures
- globalization
- homeland security
- better workers
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Power of Language
Condoleeza Rice, an expert on Russian language and culture,
acknowledged the power of language fluency and international
education."As secretary, one of my highest priorities is
to reinvigorate our efforts to connect America to the people
of the world through education," she said. "In today's
international system, the distance between here and there is
getting smaller."
Recognizing the Value of Foreign Language Skills
By Karen Jenkins
"The picture that emerges is . . . a
youngster whose experience with two language systems seems
to have left him or her with a mental flexibility,
a
superiority in concept formation, and a more diversified set
of mental abilities."
D.W. Robinson |
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References
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Robinson, D. W. (1992). The Cognitive,
Academic and Attitudinal Benefits of Early
Language Learning. In Met, M., ed. Critical Issues in
Early Language
Learning. White Plains, NY: Longman
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Classical Columns, April 2004 -
Classicalcharter.com
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Foreign language study important in
elementary school, Cheryl Walker, June 26, 2004
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