The Importance of Foreign Language Education

As 66% of the world speaks at least two languages, it seems that foreign language education should be expected. However, many schools are cutting their foreign language education programs or not making themmandatory. It is a good idea to encourage your child to pursue a foreign language for a couple different reasons.

Academic Benefits

Childhood experts have been quick to defend the academic benefits of learning a second language. It has been shown that bilingual children have a greater linguistic awareness, which leads to increased proficiency in writing, reading, and mathematics. These students tend to have a greater awareness of language and notice things like grammar errors quicker. Students who have knowledge of more than one language also tend to score higher on intelligence tests. Research has also shown that children who are at least bilingual are more creative and have enhanced cognitive development. These students also tend to be more flexible and able to look at problems from many different angles. Learning a foreign language can help your child to do better in all school subjects.

Future Outlook

Knowledge of a foreign language is becoming more and more necessary in the workplace and will become even more of an advantage in the future. President Obama has spoken out about the important of foreign language education for the future of the country. For example, military security relies heavily on foreign language speakers for terrorist protection. In addition, the United States is expanding into the global marketplace, particularly into China and Japan. Individuals who speak a second language, as well as who have other skills, will have an advantage over other potential employees. There is expected to be more of a demand for translators, language specialists, and interpreters in the future. Having your child learn a foreign language may help them in both further education and in the workplace.