Foreign Languages

Communicating in foreign languages is important and is taught in many secondary and high schools around the United States. Some examples of foreign languages taught in various schools are French, Spanish, and Chinese. These are three of the most popular languages taught in the country. Teaching students these languages are important because it gives the student an understanding of the cultures, and history of other ethnicities. Also, speaking a foreign language makes you a better candidate for a job over someone who does not know how to speak another language. There are many advantages of elementary level children learning foreign languages. Even though foreign languages are taught at the upper levels of education, they …show more content…
Introducing a foreign language in elementary school will increase a child’s interest in furthering the ability to speak and understand a language other than English. Positive relationships with foreign business executives develop when one can speak the language fluently. Trust and affirmative business assurance flourish when businesspeople can interact with each other without losing the meaning through interpretation. Today, much of the United States’ trade is with foreign countries, therefore, business and industry must be proficient in corresponding with many areas out of the country. Employees are expected to function in international businesses that have offices on many continents. Businesses flourish and financial success is attained when the relationship between companies are respectable through trustworthy communication. In Ballaro and Klassen’s article called “Foreign Language Graduation Requirements: An Overview”, they state “Leaders argued that foreign language proficiency, and an accompanying knowledge and understanding of different cultures, are critical to America’s ability to compete in new global economy.” Several years ago, our government realized that educating students in foreign language is necessary. This program called No Child Left Behind Act offers a “foreign language incentive program, which offers public elementary schools grants to …show more content…
Children have an innate capability of being curious. As a new word in another language is taught this curiosity expands and the child generates questions and an inquiry begins about another person’s culture and history. Individuals then have an opportunity to access information that might not have been exposed in a normal class lesson. Culturally friendly instruction teaches students a viewpoint that can be valued and appreciated rather than being feared and mysterious. Students who have been provided an opportunity to share stories, family customs afford companion students an option to see into other classmate’s cultural practices. Conversing with the children teaches them respect and to value other people regardless of the color of their skin or the language they speak. From time to time a child may take educational experiences from an early lesson which will stay with them into maturity. “Foreign language provides a competitive edge in the workforce.” (Frontiers Academy 3). Learning a foreign language tends to make a child more understanding cultural differences and respecting those differences. The article from Frontiers Academy states “…it creates a deeper understanding of and appreciation for humanity and culture, which enriches one’s life and personal experiences in the world.” Fostering an acceptance of other cultures creates an openness and harmony in society. When