Language does not control our lives, we do. In discussion of the advantages of being multilingual, it is important to entertain all argument and to directly respond to those with conflicting options. While discussing this issue two sides typically develop; one side will argue it is beneficial to learn multiple languages whereas the other side will say it is not beneficial because there are no foreign or domestic advantages. Americans who are monolingual are not at a disadvantage in the world today. Americans who are monolingual are not at a disadvantage today because the rest of the world is equally monolingual. Only having the ability to speak one language does not harm the average person's potential because, according to Source
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Haass, from Source A, contends there are only two reasons an American should consider learning a language other than English; “national security and [the] global economy.” Although I concede that being multilingual may aid the global economy because it allows for easier communication between business partners; I disagree with source A’s view that learning languages other than English will aid national security. How would having the average citizen be multilingual help national security in any way? The answer: it does not. Having some top diplomats being multilingual might help ease political tensions between countries, but having the average American be fluent in multiple languages will not help national security. Another argument from Source A is that language is “a ‘gateway’ to a thorough understanding of other societies.” Basically, Source A is saying that language is a gateway to understanding the complexities of other societies. Source A’s claim that language is necessary to understand other societies rests on the questionable assumption that a person can be taught culture solely through language. I have always believed that it takes much more to understand a culture than just learning their language. Learning a country's language might help in understanding the culture but it will not give enough information to fully understand
Haass, from Source A, contends there are only two reasons an American should consider learning a language other than English; “national security and [the] global economy.” Although I concede that being multilingual may aid the global economy because it allows for easier communication between business partners; I disagree with source A’s view that learning languages other than English will aid national security. How would having the average citizen be multilingual help national security in any way? The answer: it does not. Having some top diplomats being multilingual might help ease political tensions between countries, but having the average American be fluent in multiple languages will not help national security. Another argument from Source A is that language is “a ‘gateway’ to a thorough understanding of other societies.” Basically, Source A is saying that language is a gateway to understanding the complexities of other societies. Source A’s claim that language is necessary to understand other societies rests on the questionable assumption that a person can be taught culture solely through language. I have always believed that it takes much more to understand a culture than just learning their language. Learning a country's language might help in understanding the culture but it will not give enough information to fully understand