The Importance of Foreign Languages

As the world progresses, English is becoming the language of the world. Everyone is taught it at school, even if it is not the national language of the country. English is the international language that is used in communication everywhere from business meetings to social situations. This world domination of English has caused many people to question the need for learning foreign languages. Many people are starting to think that learning foreign languages are a waste of time, energy, and brain space. However, that is not the case. Learning foreign languages are important for communication, learning about cultures, and helps stimulate the mind.

At Kennedy High School, the students are required to a foreign language. Other schools only require two years of foreign language saying colleges do not see it as important, while some schools require four years of foreign language and notice the importance of learning them. Learning a foreign language is very critical in a person’s life. It helps them expand their knowledge on the world and cultures throughout the world. By learning a foreign language people can gain understanding on certain traditions of cultures that they previously questioned. They will learn how to communicate and if they travel to the country where the foreign language is spoken, then they will be able to communicate easier, as well.

Though English is becoming more prominent, many other languages still exist in the world. Other countries are required to learn the foreign language of English, people in major English speaking countries should also learn a foreign language. When visiting a place, it is easier to communicate with a person in the native language. The people of the country will feel more comfortable and open to helping. They will also be able to understand a person better. Sometimes natives can identify that someone is American or an English speaker. To these natives in developing countries, this means the person would have more money, so they may trick you. For safety and ease in travelling it is important to understand and learn a foreign language.

The most important reason to learn a foreign language is that it helps stimulate the mind. Most people learn their primary language at a young age, and it has been proven easier to pick up a new language at a younger age. By trying to learn a foreign language, a person is using their creativity and curiosity. The mind is opened to new ways of thinking, understanding, and approaching life. Research done in the past and in 1986 by Weatherford, has shown that people who are taking a foreign language class have stronger thinking skills, specifically in creativity. Also, those learning and knowing more than one language score higher on standardized tests and are viewed as more intelligent.

I speak English, Tamil (an Indian language), can understand Kanada and little bit of Hindi (more Indian languages), and am learning Spanish. My goal in the aspect of foreign languages is to continue mastering in Spanish, learn French, and learn major phrases in various other languages. This way, when I travel, I will be able to communicate in the native language of the country and be able to get around the country in an easier fashion. Therefore, I believe foreign languages are very important and should be a class everyone should take in school, from a young age.

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