Value of Learning a Foreign Language

Professional Development

Proficiency in a foreign language, coupled with knowledge and professional skills, is a highly desirable quality in the workplace. Employers in fields such as business, politics, tourism and education seek potential employees who proficiently read and write in multiple languages. With the growth of multinational corporations and globalization, companies rely on professionals who readily adapt to new environments, have previous international experience and have foreign language capabilities. Such skills are necessary to diversify clientele and accept overseas projects.

Culture and language are interchangeably used to express societal norms and traditions. Understanding a foreign language not only encompasses phonetics, grammar and sentence structure, but also distinct characteristics and features of the culture. Cultural awareness leads to enhanced critical thinking, which is necessary to use the language adequately and understand understand the target culture. Communication conflicts are inevitable between those who speak different languages; the outcome, however, can be mitigated when both are aware of cultural norms.

The value of learning a foreign language dramatically increases when traveling to countries overseas. Life becomes easier when a traveler can proficiently communicate in foreign countries and, consequently, can open doors to new acquaintances and friends.

Individuals learning a foreign language may demonstrate cognitive development, longer attention spans and creative thinking. Students who speak more than one language outperform their monolingual counterparts on tests of both verbal and nonverbal intelligence, according to the ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages and Linguistics.The ERIC report also indicated that elementary school children who take foreign language studies received high scores on divergent thinking or the ability to pose alternate solutions. There is a positive correlation between bilingualism and financial success, cognitive health and metalinguistic skills.

College admissions requirements vary, but many competitive colleges require a minimum of two years of high school-based foreign language classes. Colleges also prefer to see proficiency in one language rather than four language courses taken over a span of three years. Many universities also have foreign language requirements that must be completed upon graduation. Students who have taken foreign language studies in high school can win admission to elite universities or obtain fellowships over students who failed to strengthen their applications by taking foreign language classes.