WHY SHOULD YOU LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE?We've talked about foreign language advantages in the past and discovered the new foods, people and experiences a second language can bring to your life. This month's article is to give young students more reasons to consider visiting the Foreign Language Academy in Knoxville, TN.Competitive Edge for Students:Studying a second language improves your Math and English grades and can improve SATs, ACTs, GREs, MCATs, and LSAT exam scores! Research states that verbal and math scores rise with each additional year of studying a foreign language. Interpretive and analytic skills also improve when studying a foreign language. If that's not enough, if you want to catch the attention of college entrance examiners, then add on that 3rd year of language study to your record.If you've already learned a 2nd language at home, expanding your grammar, vocabulary, literature and culture will also improve your success in career and school. Remember, European students, with whom you will be competing in future job markets, will already be tri-lingual upon entering college!Job Advantages of Learning a Foreign Language:Because more companies are doing business in other countries, they need employees who can speak different languages and understand other cultures. No matter what career you choose, if you've learned a second language, you'll have a real advantage. A technician, the head of a company, or a salesperson who has mastered a second language can work successfully with many more people and in many more places than someone who knows only one language.Because the USA is a melting pot, there are lots of people here who speak languages other than English. Many professions may need to speak more than one language to do their jobs well. You might also look much better at promotion time than people who know only English.Lastly, those who know other languages are often chosen to travel for business in other countries throughout their careers. Knowing more than one language will enhance your opportunities. Your boss will see you as a liaison to new clients or customers if you know a second language, and you're sure to win the trust and friendship of people whose languages you know, even if you know them just a little. Learning Other Cultures by Learning a Foreign Language:As we've stated before, a whole new world of culture opens to those who know a foreign language. You will have the opportunity to view another culture and to gain a new perspective of your own. Reading other people's stories, studying their language, and connecting with people in their own language will be a source of new-found pleasure.Your new view of other cultures will help you expand your personal horizons and become a responsible citizen. Your ability to talk to others and gain knowledge beyond the world of English can contribute to your community and your country.
