Should Students Learn a Foreign Language? The issue of whether it should be made mandatory for students to learn a foreign, or second language in school has been widely debated. A General Social Study carried out in 2006, stated, only 25% of American students speak a second language. Of this, only 43% claimed to speak the second language ' 'very well ' '. Furthermore, of these bilingual students, 89% learned it at home, with only 7% acquiring it at school. In contrast, to the 25% of American students mentioned, a staggering 90% of 12-18 year old 's in Europe are able to speak English even though it is a foreign language. Why is the percentage so high? Because it is compulsory in European countries to study a second language for at least
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Despite a wealth of research being carried out, and published regarding the academic importance of learning a second or foreign language it still stirs opinions. According to the 'no campaign ' it should not be made mandatory at school. They argue that it will undermine the basic school curriculum. That the time spent in a language class will rob students of precious time that could be spent on more pertinent subjects such as arts or scientific studies. I strongly disagree. For one thing, studies have shown knowledge of another language increases a student 's understanding of language in general, including their own native tongue. Enabling them to use their native language, for example English, more efficiently. The students grasp a better understanding of grammar, build on their vocabulary and improve their literacy in general. In addition, cognitive skills will be sharpened drastically. Learning a language involves a variety of learning practices. Not only do students gain an increase academically, as previously mentioned, but an ability to learn and function in other areas are also enhanced. Language students show a greater cognitive development in the areas of mental flexibility, creativity, thinking and problem solving skills as well as reasoning and
Despite a wealth of research being carried out, and published regarding the academic importance of learning a second or foreign language it still stirs opinions. According to the 'no campaign ' it should not be made mandatory at school. They argue that it will undermine the basic school curriculum. That the time spent in a language class will rob students of precious time that could be spent on more pertinent subjects such as arts or scientific studies. I strongly disagree. For one thing, studies have shown knowledge of another language increases a student 's understanding of language in general, including their own native tongue. Enabling them to use their native language, for example English, more efficiently. The students grasp a better understanding of grammar, build on their vocabulary and improve their literacy in general. In addition, cognitive skills will be sharpened drastically. Learning a language involves a variety of learning practices. Not only do students gain an increase academically, as previously mentioned, but an ability to learn and function in other areas are also enhanced. Language students show a greater cognitive development in the areas of mental flexibility, creativity, thinking and problem solving skills as well as reasoning and