Learning a foreign language in high school improves native language proficiency, cognitive skills, and satisfies college entry requirements. It broadens cultural understanding and can benefit careers. Language studies also provide a global perspective and an edge in the job market. Starting early allows for mastery of multiple languages.
Some of the benefits of learning a foreign language in high school are that it improves your native language proficiency, boosts your cognitive skills, and satisfies the entry requirements for many colleges. Additionally, these studies tend to broaden your understanding of other cultures, make travel to areas where the language is spoken more enriching and enjoyable, and can benefit a career. Starting in high school also means that students have the option of studying more intensively at university level or can learn a third language at university.
Learning a foreign language in high school or at any other time increases a person’s understanding of their native language. The new language provides a constant basis for comparison that monolingual speakers simply do not possess. Most students will develop a better sense of things like native vocabulary, usage, grammar and style as they compare to a different communication system.
Cognitive or thinking skills are improved by learning a foreign language. Significant research shows that students who pursue this path are more likely to become stronger thinkers. This is also often evidenced by higher scores on standardized tests such as the SAT® and ACT® and better grade point averages.
In the United States, most colleges require at least one or two years of foreign language in high school. Critics suggest that this is not enough, and students would be better off pursuing bilingualism much earlier in life when ability to learn a language is highest. It is still possible for people to gain fluency if they start studying in high school, and more advanced classes can be taken in college if needed. Additionally, high school students may still be able to accrue up to four years of study and practice from freshman to senior year. This will fulfill the requirements for college entry and accomplish much more.
Another benefit is that language studies almost always have a cultural context. Students not only learn spoken words, but also gain insight into the cultural behaviors of speakers of another language. This makes taking foreign language classes even more beneficial because it imparts a global perspective, broadening your understanding of the larger world.
A second language can also give people an edge when pursuing a career, especially in countries where there is regular contact with people who speak that language. For example, in the United States there are a large number of Spanish speakers and the need for bilingual employees is very strong. In some fields and in some areas of the country it is difficult to find a job without speaking Spanish. Also, anyone who wants to travel to other countries for pleasure or business will benefit from knowing the language of that country.
Also, by studying a foreign language in high school, students have the opportunity to achieve more than bilingualism. They will have time in college or later to master other languages. This could provide benefits such as increased cultural knowledge and competence, and more rewarding travel and career opportunities.
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