Más de Mandatory: Why Language Classes are Important

As we are halfway through the first semester, many students (particularly underclassmen) are experiencing their classes to the fullest and discovering what studies they prefer over others. Our opinions on our classes today will impact our decisions on what classes we choose in March.

One particular subject I’ve seen neglected by many students throughout my high school career is the language courses, and to those considering dropping language after their required credits, don't.

Our school only requires two years of language in contrast to four, and many opt to do the minimum amount. Many of the excuses from stufents have been that it’s “unnecessary,” “too much work,” or that their time would be wasted learning a skill they’d never use.

The latter is the most absurd of them all, considering how vital languages are to our world.

54% of Europeans speak a minimum of two languages to help connect and converse with neighbors, peers, and coworkers.

While we might be a whole ocean apart from Europe, the same applies to the United States; maybe learning a little French will help connect you with opportunities in Canada, or having some understanding of Spanish will broaden your career options here at home (Spanish the second most popular in the U.S. to English, and we have thousands of foreign tourists).

It’s been repeatedly told to us that bilingual education is a great addition to a resume, from high paying jobs to a summer retail experience.

Colleges, too, look positively on a full four years of language classes.

If the prospects of career opportunities aren’t convincing enough, language learning has a link to neuroscience. It helps to improve our cognitive capacity and our multitasking ability.

People who speak multiple languages in comparison to one have a better time staying focused and problem solving. More impressively, research on Alzhimer’s and bilingual individuals show that symptoms of Alzhimer’s and other dementias can delay the progression or even lessen the impact of the disease in old age.

This is due to the fact that language learning builds memory, thinking skills, and increases cognitive reserve. A stronger cognitive reserve can help fight the damage of dementia.

Thirdly – and perhaps this is a more romantic benefit than logistical – learning a second language connects you to a second culture. Just as in the cultures and communities of English speakers, those of foreign languages have their own media, comedy, literature, and history.

If you’ve taken any of the high school courses such as World Cultures, AP European History, Middle East, or others, this is a major topic within those subjects.

Vernaculars shaped our modern day world, and each region throughout the Eastern and Western hemispheres have their own lives that are similar yet completely separate from ours due to the split.

We’re also incredibly lucky to have a Spanish literature course available for seniors, assuming one completes the first three years of Spanish.

There are several benefits to a language course throughout high school. And truly, with modern day tools, they aren’t as difficult as people make them out to be!

Free apps such as Duolingo and Busuu (which I use myself) help with memorization of vocabulary and grammar. Of course these sites have paid versions, but they aren’t necessary for their primary usage.

Appropriate use of AI programs for self-tutoring are also useful, but all of our language teachers are very approachable and kindhearted. They’re here to teach! Consider participating in four years of Spanish or German classes.

For more information check out:

responsivetranslation.com alzhimersresearchuk.org kohud.kendal.org britishschoolbarcelona.com