In today’s world, knowing one or more languages is not just a talent; it’s a real advantage. Whether someone is trying to connect with different cultures, travel more easily, or find a job, knowing more than one language opens a whole new world of opportunities.
According to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), “90% of U.S. employers rely on employees who speak more than one language, and 56% of these employers expect a future increase in their need for bilingual staff.”
Knowing another language can increase your salary opportunities.
Research from St. Augustine University states, “employees on average can earn a bilingual salary differential between 5% to 20% more than their monolingual peers.”
Learning a new language challenges the brain, improving memory, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.
Mrs. Anna Einstein shares, “Having the ability to communicate at a deeper level with two languages is important.”
There are benefits beyond financial and professional advantages; learning another language can also enhance other skills. Knowing multiple languages can strengthen your brain by encouraging creative thinking.
ACTFL states, “Over the past five years, demand for bilingual workers in the United States has more than doubled. In 2010, there were roughly 240,000 job postings aimed at bilingual workers; by 2015, that figure had ballooned to approximately 630,000.”
There are many apps people use to learn a new language, such as Duolingo and Babbel. These apps allow people to learn the basics of new languages. Apps like Memrise and Busuu focus on learning from native speakers and getting corrections. A deeper and more academic experience, Rosetta Stone or Mano Languages are also good options.
Junior Brian Mercado, a fluent English and Spanish speaker, says that knowing two languages has helped him in multiple ways. He states, “Being able to go on vacation to Spanish-speaking countries helps me talk to the locals and get a better feeling and understanding of the culture, which has allowed me to enjoy vacation to its fullest.”
Einstein shares, “It can be exciting to see how languages can connect people from different cultures.”
Learning a new language can also be an important part of people’s education. Language opportunities at Foran consist of Spanish, French, and Latin. These classes range from different levels. Spanish classes consist of Spanish one to AP Spanish, and French and Latin span one through four.
