According to Mia Nacamuli, a TED-Ed Educator, three types of bilinguals can exist: Compound, learning two languages simultaneously; Coordinate, learning one language while continuing to speak a native one; and Subordinate, learning a language through the filtration of native speech (Nacamuli). Through scientific studies and observations, Nacamuli discovered that learning another language had numerous effects on the brain (Nacamuli). Contrary to previous belief that bilingualism stunted a student 's development and caused him or her to develop a learning handicap, scientists found that multilingualism actually increased brain activity (Nacamuli). Learning a language requires the use of both of the brain 's hemispheres; the left deals with analytical
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As long as language exists, so does the need to teach it. Education should ensure the development and cultivation of all subjects; reading, mathematics, and science will only bring students so far. “‘We’re talking now about what is it we really want our students to do,’ says Paula Patrick, a foreign language coordinator, ‘It’s no longer a check-off to college admission. It’s a tool for communication’” (“Why Learn”). After the completion of school, students should stand on the threshold of life with confidence and overflowing toolboxes, but if certain tools are overlooked, such as bilingualism, students will continuously find themselves restricted by their education. “It is important that education provides. . . opportunity,” for without it, children would not feel the desire to explore or try new things (Woods 160). To provide a clearer idea, many current immersion educations are filled with creative learning aspects, including skits, puppets, songs and raps, interviews, guest speakers, and dialogue, not monotonous textbooks (“Why Learn”). Research has displayed that learning a foreign language through real life experiences such as tasting food, viewing video clips, reading newspapers and magazines, and experiencing cultural art has proven to be effective (“Why Learn”). “‘Think about how young kids learn,’ Paula Patrick says. ‘They love to babble and try out new things’” (“Why Learn”). Currently, my district offers Spanish courses in both the Elementary and High School, and although the classes are only teaching the very basics, it is a start. My ten year old brother comes home from school each afternoon singing animal songs and questioning the quality of my day with his foreign tongue. He has even resorted to quizzing us at the dinner table, and instead of singing Happy Birthday
As long as language exists, so does the need to teach it. Education should ensure the development and cultivation of all subjects; reading, mathematics, and science will only bring students so far. “‘We’re talking now about what is it we really want our students to do,’ says Paula Patrick, a foreign language coordinator, ‘It’s no longer a check-off to college admission. It’s a tool for communication’” (“Why Learn”). After the completion of school, students should stand on the threshold of life with confidence and overflowing toolboxes, but if certain tools are overlooked, such as bilingualism, students will continuously find themselves restricted by their education. “It is important that education provides. . . opportunity,” for without it, children would not feel the desire to explore or try new things (Woods 160). To provide a clearer idea, many current immersion educations are filled with creative learning aspects, including skits, puppets, songs and raps, interviews, guest speakers, and dialogue, not monotonous textbooks (“Why Learn”). Research has displayed that learning a foreign language through real life experiences such as tasting food, viewing video clips, reading newspapers and magazines, and experiencing cultural art has proven to be effective (“Why Learn”). “‘Think about how young kids learn,’ Paula Patrick says. ‘They love to babble and try out new things’” (“Why Learn”). Currently, my district offers Spanish courses in both the Elementary and High School, and although the classes are only teaching the very basics, it is a start. My ten year old brother comes home from school each afternoon singing animal songs and questioning the quality of my day with his foreign tongue. He has even resorted to quizzing us at the dinner table, and instead of singing Happy Birthday