In the editorial, “Learn languages for life skills” (March 17, 2017), an author for the Baylor Lariat argues that all business majors should be required to take four semesters of a language in order to graduate. The author claims that knowing other languages “promotes cultural understanding and makes students more marketable in the business world.” By making language courses an optional choice for business majors, the author claims that business students who opt for the easier “communication option” offered in their degree plan are deprived of unique experience bilingual study provides. While the author’s opposing viewpoint on the optionality of taking a language is reasonable, his or her argument could be strengthened by focusing more on the business-related benefits of learning a second language rather than the broad, overall benefits.
I agree with the author’s claim that learning a second language is very beneficial to all aspects of life. For every language, there is a unique culture deeply rooted inside of it. A world that outsiders could never fully experience without some exposure to the language behind it. Unlike math, science, history, and even sometimes English classes, foreign language classes offer a unique experience that allows students to embrace a culture other than their own. Along with this experience, students also get to practice useful skills, like verbal and written communication and memorization, that can be applied to many aspects in one’s life.
The issue with the author’s argument is that the points used are too broad for the audience he or she addresses in the thesis. While the author gives overall benefits of learning a second language to support this claim, he or she does not relate these benefits specifically to business majors. From the author’s thesis and background info provided in the beginning, it is implied that he or she is directing the argument towards business majors. However, the broad claims used to support this thesis drastically weakens the author’s argument. Elaborating on how these claims pertain to business majors, and why they should care enough to make a change would make for a much stronger argument.
The author does little to really fight for his or her stance on why language classes are more beneficial for business students than basic communication classes. Language classes are communication classes on steroids. Not only do students have to organize their thoughts into comprehensible words, they must do so in a language unfamiliar to them. Along with communicating, students also exercise skills such as “vocabulary memorization, writing practice, and understanding complex concepts,” which are not commonly practiced in communication classes. Because a majority of communication in the business world is done through writing, either in form of an email or letter, it is important for business majors/people to always be practicing and improving their writing skills. Being able to communicate one’s thoughts well is essential to succeed in the business world, and is a skill students acquire through the process of learning a second language. Language classes compel students to speak out loud, and also cultivate important communication skills that overall make students better communicators.
Throughout the editorial, the author mentions how bilingual study leads to stronger relationships and better sense of cultural understanding many times, but never truly explains why business students should care enough to learn a second language. While it may seem obvious why these benefits are important for business students, it can be argued that the amount of time and work put into learning a second language outweighs the benefits, especially for non-international business students. In such a competitive field, every detail counts. Knowing a second language not only raises your pay, but can also give you an advantage when looking for a job. Companies are more likely to hire an individual with fluency in more than one language because of all the benefits he or she can bring to the company. Especially with how globalized our world has become, the importance of building relationships with many people all over the world is essential. Successful businesses are built on real communication and real relationships, which are only possible through language.
The author gives good evidence as to why learning a second language is beneficial. However, his or her points are too vague for the claim he or she makes. In the business world, there are so many benefits to learning a new language, from higher marketability to a greater understanding of our world and the many cultures within it. Yes, business majors should be required to take a foreign language class, but for reasons that reach beyond the overall benefits of understanding the world better and acquiring useful skills. Bilingual study opens up many more doors for business students that will help them flourish in the business world.