Learn a Foreign Language

Learning a foreign language opens you to another culture in more significant ways -- beyond words.

In most countries in the world, speaking more than one language is common and even expected. Fluency in another language is a sign of education, status, and even business savvy.

In a world where mass transportation has made worldwide travel routine, familiarity with other cultures and languages is a surefire way to be seen as a good global citizen -- and that is indeed good for America.

Yet despite the fact that ours is one of the most educated countries in the world, foreigners are routinely mystified by Americans' lack of language skills. The idea that we don't have to learn foreign languages because so many people abroad speak English is not only inaccurate, it also isn't representative of America. We Americans don't take the easy way out; we strive to be better, smarter, and more knowledgeable.

Besides, learning a foreign language opens you to another culture in more significant ways than just communicating through words. Eating the food of that country, listening to its music, and even planning a trip abroad become natural consequences of your language studies. Plus, you may find that studying Chinese helps you in business, that learning Spanish gives you a new perspective on your neighbors, that speaking Arabic may mean being able to contribute to national security, that conversing in French leads to new friendships, and that having a basic knowledge of any language opens up a host of new career opportunities. And for young people, knowledge of a foreign language is shown to result in higher standardized test scores.

There are lots of great ways to learn a language. Check out a local college for adult education classes, start a foreign-language coffee group, or buy a series of the Rosetta Stone language tapes and make your commute to work an opportunity to take in a new dialect.

From For America

 

•  

• Immigration Solutions for America
• It's not about coming to America. It's about becoming an American.
• 
• What Teachers Want Your Child to Know
• The social and emotional development milestones teachers expect of children.
• 
• Full House: A Special Adoption
• How a church choir concert changed one family forever.
• 
• Ahead of the Curve: Ideas in Education
• Three schools. Three fresh ideas for getting kids hooked on learning.
• 
• View the complete America 2.0 poll results.
• 

What do you think is the biggest crisis facing America?

Energy Leadership The War in Iraq Immigration Health Care Education

See Results