ACTFL: Who benefits from learning languages?
See http://www.actfl.org/advocacy/who-benefits
WHO BENEFITS
STUDENTS
PRE-K & ELEMENTARY
- Young people are most open to learning about new languages and cultures.
- Early language study leads to long sequence programs and proficiency.
- Starting early facilitates addition of more languages.
- Language study helps children develop cognitive skills.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
- Language learning leads to greater understanding of different cultures.
- Increasing language proficiency opens more opportunities in secondary study.
- Language study enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- The skills required in learning a language transfer to other academic subjects and improved performance in those subjects.
HIGH SCHOOL
- Developing proficiency in other languages broadens career options.
- Skills in languages other than English make those not bound for postsecondary study more attractive employment candidates in a wide range of careers where communicating with diverse customers is necessary.
- Good language achievement enhances a student’s college prospects and opens paths for a wider range of college-level fields of study.
COLLEGE
- The postsecondary experience can be greatly enhanced by study abroad and travel abroad programs when students have multilingual skills.
- This is the point of final career preparation, where language proficiency will greatly enhance their employment and future career prospects.
- Knowing another language will expose postsecondary students to career fields they might not have known about without this academic background.
COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS
- Solid language programs make the community and its schools more attractive to potential residents and employers.
- These programs contribute to a more diverse population and enhance the cultural experiences of all citizens.
- Offering language programs addresses the concerns and demands of parents in the community.
- Encouraging language learning helps develop a more valuable employment pool with contemporary skills.
- Acquisition of language skills increases business opportunities with minority groups within the community.
- Broader language skills help to improve the community by minimizing language barriers and building cross-cultural understanding.
