Benefits of Foreign Language Learning

Key Points about the Benefits of Foreign Language Learning

To Include in Letters to Legislators Contacting state senators and representatives is a simple and effective way to support world

language education, a nd legislators care about their constituents’ informed opinions. The Oregon Roadmap has prepared some key points about the benefits of language learning that you may choose to include in letters to legislators.

1.Foreign language programs improve students’ overall academic performance. Studies have shown that students who study a foreign language perform better on standardized tests than their monolingual peers. As a result of their language studies, students have higher SAT Verbal test scores, ACT test scores, math test scores, and English reading scores.

2.Foreign language programs positively affect students’ intellectual development. Foreign language study encourages and builds mental flexibility, superiority in concept formation, and diversification of cognitive abilities. Those who have studied foreign languages retain these cognitive benefits well into adulthood and old age. Immersion programs in particular increase students’ IQ.

3.Foreign language programs help close the achievement gap for economically disadvantaged students, the learning disabled, and English as a second language learners. All of Oregon’s students need access to quality education that promotes and encourages their success. As part of the basic educational curriculum available to students, foreignlanguage programs have the ability to reduce the achievement gap for traditionally  underserved students. All students, regardless of intelligence or learning disability, can succeed in learning another language and culture.

4.Foreign language programs enhance students’ career opportunities.

Today’s students will graduate into an increasingly interconnected world. The global economy necessitates that students understand other languages and cultures in order to secure the most competitive car

eers. The Oregon Roadmap has shown that businesses prefer to hire bilingual employees. In addition, immigration has changed the face of rural

areas, and students who choose to stay in these communities will benefit from the ability to communicate with their neighbours.

5.Foreign language programs provide students the opportunity to explore other cultures and more fully understand their own. Our educational system provides more than classroom learning. It creates a safe environment that leads students through a process of self-actualization and selfdiscovery. As students learn another language and culture, they begin to evaluate theirown ways of thinking and viewing the world. Students develop an appreciation for themselves and those who are different from them.
Ref:http://casls.uoregon.edu/roadmap/resources/data/RoadmapTalkingPoints.pdf