Many high school students stop taking foreign language classes before becoming fluent. However, research shows that continuing language studies throughout high school brings many other benefits.
Jobs increasingly need workers who know foreign languages. The International Center for Language Studies found that 90% of employers need workers with foreign language skills, and this need is expected to grow in the next five years. Nevertheless, there are still many languages that are rarely taken.
“It is extremely rare for Americans, especially those who are not ethnically Japanese, to know Japanese,” Freshman James Scheid said. “There are many, many job opportunities that exist where Japanese language skills would be beneficial. Taking Japanese now and in the future will certainly help you with life, jobs and other aspects of life.”
Studies have also shown that taking language classes helps students do better in school. Research with eleventh-grade students from three Montgomery County high schools found that students who take more foreign language classes do better on the SAT than those who do not (Eddy). The Classical Outlook also found that high school students who took Latin, French, German, or Spanish did better in college than students who didn’t (Wiley).
Additionally, learning another language helps with English language skills as well.
“I think it helps you learn your native language better,” Spanish Teacher Rachel Iacoletti said. “When you learn the grammar rules of another language, you can’t help but compare and contrast your second language with your first language.”
Students see these benefits as well, and oftentimes apply the knowledge they learn in their foreign language classes towards improving their English skills.
“I thought Latin was very interesting, and that it would help me with English and the SAT/PSAT’s,” Sophomore Eleanor Campione said.
It is important to note that speaking another language today is more useful now than ever before.
“I think technology has made the world smaller. You are much more likely to encounter someone who speaks another language today compared to a few years ago,” Iacoletti said. “Spanish helped me communicate on vacation to Spanish-speaking countries so that I can get around easier.”
Langley offers a huge array of language choices from beginner level to advanced. Students who have been using these resources have found them very rewarding.
“I decided to take Japanese to learn more about the culture,” Scheid said. “In my third year of Japanese, I certainly do not regret the decision I made in year 1.”
