Kelly Vang
Mrs. Weisgerber and Mr. Goers
Mod: 6
21 March 2018
Benefits of Another Language
Although learning a new language may seem like irrelevant knowledge, learning a foreign language is extremely beneficial. Others may see learning a foreign language as a hassle or they believe that it won’t benefit them in anyway. However, a person who can speak and understand a second language will have a higher cognitive growth, business trades will increase for their companies, and exploring new cultures is a given.
Learning a new language ranges way back to cavemen to Egyptians and their use of hieroglyphics. According to Motivation in Second Language Learning: A Historical Overview and Its Relevance in a Public High School in Pasto, Colombia motivation is a key factor in learning a new language. From 1959 to 1990, Robert Gardner in a bilingual context in Canada said “motivation is a complex construct that does not have a simple definition,” on a side note, he stated that “a motivated individual is someone who sets a goal and perseveres to achieve it.”
First off, learning a new language can and will help with a person’s cognitive growth. Physiological studies have found that speaking more than one language is a great asset to the brain. People who are multilingual are better at multitasking, have better memory and are able to focus on more important information and block out the irrelevant. According to a study from the Pennsylvania State University, since bilingual people are able to switch between two systems of speech and writing this makes them good multitaskers. Along with multitasking, polylingual people find it easier to memorize information compared to a single language speaking person. This is because learning a new language involves memorizing vocabulary and structures. Lastly, people who are bilingual tend to be better at focusing on important information. From Spain’s University of Pompeu Fabra study it showed that multilingual people are better at observing their surroundings. On a side note, Dr. Judy Willis, a board-certified neurologist, said that children who are exposed to multiple languages at an early age are able to activate certain networks within the brain that enhance cognitive function. Which means that the brain will work faster and more efficiently. Overall, The benefits of effective communication across multiple languages have long been known by the international business community as an indispensable tool for relationship building and financial success.
Secondly learning a second language can lead to business trades and corporate success. Although this is a big aspect in the economy some people still don’t see the point in learning a new language. According to Gooverseas, around 1.5 billion people around the world speak English as a second or native language, and with increasing levels of international trade and business. Since 2014, people with second language fluency can expect an additional 10 to 15 percent pay increase, according to Ryan McMunn, language expert and CEO of BRIC Language Systems. "I never would have been successful in China had I not learned how to speak Mandarin. By learning a second language, I had an opportunity to develop relationships with Chinese executives and conduct business in ways that otherwise would not have been possible." Mcmunn tells U.S.News. BRIC Language Systems now has web-based programs in China, Brazil, and Latin America, which has increased their economy. In conclusion with the increasing international trades between businesses, learning a second language is in great demand.
Lastly, learning a new language breaks language barriers and cultural differences. Interaction with people from other cultures increases dramatically. In any interaction, showing respect is good practice, whether it is a high stakes business negotiation or a relaxed conversation.. Cultural awareness, an ability to demonstrate an understanding of a person’s counterpart’s culture and history. With an ability to speak to someone in their own language, this shows a profound respect for that culture. Someone who has dedicated a significant amount of time engaged with a particular culture, to the degree that they have acquired the language and have achieved high a degree of cultural awareness, can effectively assume the status of compatriot. A delegation which can interact in the local language might be considered more trustworthy than someone who requires the help of an interpreter. This level of respect for another culture is tremendously beneficial in international relations. Nevertheless, learning a new language can break cultural barriers and bring a great amount of respect for one another.
On the opposing side others might think that it is learning a second language is unproductive and a waste of time. According to vivafifty.com, some mono language speakers believe that as long as they know one language they can still be successful.
On the same site most single language people believe that “Probably 95 percent of the world’s 7500 million people speak only one language.” With speaking only one language most people live and lead a happy life with families and can still travel even without knowing another language.
In another person’s point of view, from The Rationalist Conspiracy explains that the US Census says that 18% of Americans speak another language other than English at their own house. To add on, students who take a foreign language about only 44% of students are in a foreign language class.
Therefore, learning another language can be a waste of time, many people don’t spend much time learning a new language and English is widely spoken so why learn a new one?
In conclusion, learning a new language may seem like useless information but earning a foreign language is actually beneficial. Somebody who can speak and understand a second language will have a higher cognitive growth, business trades will increase for their companies, and exploring new cultures will help expand a person’s view on things.
Work Cited:
Alban, Deane. “The Brain Benefits of Learning a Second Language.” Be Brain Fit, 28 Feb. 2018, bebrainfit.com/benefits-learning-second-language/.
Chau, Lisa. “Why You Should Learn Another Language.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, 29 Jan. 2014, www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economic-intelligence/2014/01/29/the-business-benefits-of-learning-a-foreign-language
Merritt, Anne. “Why Learn a Foreign Language? Benefits of Bilingualism.” The Telegraoh, 19 June 2013, www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationopinion/10126883/Why-learn-a-foreign-language-Benefits-of-bilingualism.html.
Wong, Steven. “Why Foreign Language Learning Is Still Important.” Go Overseas, 10 Oct. 2013, www.gooverseas.com/blog/why-foreign-language-learning-still-important.