Language learning as a tool of self-improvement

As students navigate high school, one of the common course requirements is a modern foreign language. While some perceive this as a privilege and a great opportunity to learn new things, others opt to place their attention elsewhere during class and do not care for the information being taught. This ongoing conversation requires the input of those directly involved, and as a student myself, I believe that those who are learning a modern foreign language in school should treat this resource as an advantage, as it can improve their communication skills, increase overall intelligence, and broaden the perspective with which students view the world as a whole.

There is much to say about the benefits of learning a new language: for starters, simply the knowledge of how to speak another language beyond your own can enable you to communicate with a wider variety of people. According to the Language Connects Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for the teaching of languages in schools, “when you can communicate with someone in their language, you open up infinite ways to connect.” When students know how to speak a new language, they can use that knowledge to further their success in life and their careers; students can better connect with those they work with and develop more personal relationships. Learning a new language can also increase students’ overall intelligence. According to research by the Department of German at Weinberg College, learning a new language can “…make you smarter and better equipped to solve cognitive problems.” Weinberg College’s extensive expertise in arts and science proves that learning a new language enables further advancement in other areas besides simply the knowledge of multiple languages. People should look at the benefits of learning a new language not just to be multilingual, but also to advance cognitive function and problem-solving skills.

Another gain that comes with language classes is a newfound understanding of foreign cultures. Without language courses, students are unable to see beyond the culture of their home country to recognize the varying cultures and traditions of other countries around the world. Before learning Japanese in school, I had not had much exposure to other cultures and believed all countries to be akin to the U.S. I was surprised to find out how different Japanese holidays, traditions, food, and clothes were from America’s, but after three years of taking the class, I can confidently say that I have a better understanding of the world as a whole and look at it with a more accepting, knowledgeable, and curious eye than before. I truly believe that knowing about any foreign language and the culture it originates from is a valuable skill that allows a person to look at the world with more appreciation and an open mind.

Although these benefits do exist, many people denounce them, saying that the drawbacks of learning a new language trump these benefits. Many students reflect on their language experiences later in life and realize that the time they spent learning a language could have been used to enrich their knowledge in other fields, and ultimately help them in their careers. One of these people is Professor of Economics Art Carden, a former German student, who now looks back on his experiences with regret and slight frustration. “For the marginal American who would be nudged into a Spanish class rather than art history or economics by just a little bit more subsidy, there is hardly anything to be gained by making that choice.” While this idea is valid, Carden failed to point out the true weight of what he had to gain from learning a new language. Students must understand the benefits of language learning in order to reap the full rewards; I hope I have succeeded in instilling the benefits of learning a new language with you so that you may do so.

Whether you are a student who is currently learning a language, someone who has previously learned one, or an onlooker who has never had the opportunity, I encourage you to see language learning as a highly beneficial opportunity. Based on my own experience, I understand that some people may simply prefer to use their time learning other things or participating in other activities; many of my classmates seem to exhibit the same ideas. Regardless, there are copious benefits that can be associated with the knowledge of languages, which is irrefutable. I hope that people may view a course such as Japanese not as a tedious requirement, but as an opportunity that people, especially students, can utilize. Let this be an encouragement for you to take on a new language or continue learning one in order to better your communication skills, increase your cognitive integrity, and expand your perspective of the world.