Learning second language opens many doors

There are many different languages in the world, yet many Americans do not speak a second language, and this is despite the fact that many of our ancestors from different countries spoke different languages. Though these languages gradually died out, learning different languages is still an interest many people have.

Lauren Chiles, a Spanish teacher, said, “Learning a new language opens up your world to new people, communities, relationships, cultures, experiences, entertainment and study, work and travel opportunities. Learning a new language and about other cultures changes the way you think about and view your own language and culture—you can realize that there is more than one way of doing or thinking about things, and the way that you learned growing up isn’t necessarily the right way or only way. It’s just what you’re used to. It changes your perspective and makes you a more open-minded and empathetic, understanding person. You are better equipped to handle differences in other people and places appropriately. It also challenges and expands your memory, critical thinking and problem-solving skills (what do you do when you need to communicate but don’t know a certain word, for example?)”

Gunda Brost, a German teacher, said students can be motivated to learn a new language if they “consider the doors it will open—learning about the world, its people and cultures—the benefits of being able to understand others and make yourself understood when you travel, the advantages in the job market, the enhancement of your ability to enjoy music/literature/science in its original language.”

Brost also said, “Ideally they would start as children because the older you get the less your brain is naturally attuned to language acquisition (generally speaking). Immersion, including actually living in the country where the language is spoken, is the best way to learn.”

Chiles also added a piece of advice for students. “ Start as soon as you can and don’t be discouraged if it’s challenging or uncomfortable, especially at first. The most important indicator of success in learning a language isn’t how ‘smart’ or ‘academic’ you are—it’s your willingness to take risks, persist when it’s difficult, push yourself to use the language as much as possible and be consistent in using and practicing it every day.”

Learning languages is a great opportunity to have students learn about new cultures, and it is a great way to connect with people from different countries and ways of life, which can be used for school or business.