There are many benefits to learning a second language that are helpful to the person and to society. Studying a new language spawns an understanding of a different culture, and our nation would be greatly enhanced if more people had such a knowledge. Sure, many people know how to speak a second language, but this is a small percentage, about 26% according to a Gallup Poll. Tolerance of alternate ways of life, alternate to one's own, would also be greatly increased if more people understood a second or third language.
Studying a language sparks a greater interest in a new culture and learning of the new culture helps broaden the mind. I have a great interest in French culture, one that began when I started studying French in high school. My education on Francophone culture opened my mind to the unending curiosities in the world. I love to travel and learn about new lands. I love to read about far away cultures and attempt to understand the plights that are vexing other countries. I continue to travel to foreign countries a decade after my first overseas voyage. My dad would tell you that studying a foreign language turned out to be an extremely expensive decision.
Being aware of maps and cultural differences across the globe is the first step toward accepting diversity. Everyone likes to tout their tolerance and acceptance levels, however there are often great limitations. I feel the old saying, 'the more I learn the less I know' is key. Sometimes understanding that you don't understand is the key to tolerance. That notion can be applied to debates ranging from human rights issues, to political divisions, to maritime law.
Many parents are starting early, they're moving toward raising their children with multilingual abilities. Some parents make this decision because they want their children to have a connection to their heritage. Other parents teach the tongue because they want to give their children an additional advantage in life. According to the CNN article "A guide to raising bilingual children,"babies are wired for learning language and the earlier they are introduced to it the easier it will be for them to pick it up. According to the article, once bilingual children get to school age, they tend to have superior reading and writing skills in both languages as well as better analytical and academic skills.
It seems the advantages definitely outweigh any disadvantages one might come up with. Besides, what will it hurt? Even if the purported positive edge doesn't turn out to be a factor, no one will think your child dumber for having learned the language.
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