Why study a world language?

Why study?

It takes time to become fluent in a new language. If you choose to study a foreign language for a year or two, limited basic communication and reading skill are attainable objectives. If you choose to study longer you can progress toward fluency. In either case you will acquire skills that you can use, an understanding and awareness that will enrich your life and your interactions with others. Give us a try. You will find that languages open doors!

Please click on the following topics for specific information:

French	German	Latin
Spanish	Colleges	Benefits
Research	Facts	Study Hints

In the Central Bucks School District the courses in world language study focus on the student acquiring skills in the new language. Oral proficiency and communication are important objectives. CB language classes center on:

	real-life language experience
	situation-based practice
	personalization of material so students grasp meaning more readily
	student participation through the effective use of small groups
	extensive development of aural comprehension
	exposure to other cultures emphasizing customs, traditions, and art forms
	exposure to daily life within the foreign culture
	use of technology to enhance and broaden the world language experience

Why learn French?

	French, along with English, is the official working language of the United Nations and other international organizations.
	French is spoken as an official language in 33 countries around the world and is spoken on 5 continents.
	French is the second language of the Internet.
	France is a popular tourist destination.
	French-speaking Canada is an important export market for the United States.
	French companies employ many workers throughout the United States, and they employ many English-speaking Americans abroad.
	French has contributed many words to the English language and continues to do so.
	French is the world language of cuisine, fashion, theater, and other fine arts.

Why learn German?

	Over 750 US companies do business in Germany. The largest number of German schools abroad is in South America.
	68% of all Japanese students study German. One of the world's largest German language centers is in Seoul, Korea.
	German and English are related languages. Here are some words that you already know: Auto, Rockmusik, Hamburger, Walkman, T-Shirt, Party, Sport, Telefon.
	German is the leading international business force and is the language of business in central and eastern Europe and the official or co-official language in 7 European countries.
	Germany is the third major world economic power.
	German continues to be an important academic language. One out of every 10 books published in the world is in German.

Why learn Spanish?

	Spanish is the largest and fastest-growing second language in the US with over 15 million speakers.
	Spanish is number three in the world with over 350 million speakers in over 20 countries.
	There is a great need for bilingual employees in many job fields in the US.
	Americans are more likely to use Spanish when traveling than any other language due to the proximity and cost of travel to Spanish-speaking countries.
	You have a greater chance of seeing and participating in Hispanic cultural events and dealing with Spanish speakers than any other foreign language or culture.
	Spanish has contributed MANY words to the English language and continues to do so: plaza, siesta, cigar, rodeo, sierra, etc.

Why learn Latin?

	One of the most PRACTICAL benefits of studying Latin is boosting verbal skills and scores on tests like the SAT; students with two or more years of Latin typically score 140-160 points higher on the SAT than their Latin-less peers. Numerous studies have demonstrated a significant positive correlation between studying Latin and improved scores on a variety of tests and even with college GPA and performance in college English classes.
	Of course, even more important is the broadened cultural perspective that comes with studying Greco-Roman civilization, a major component of the high-school Latin curriculum.
	Additional information is available at the following website: NCLG: Why Study Latin?

What do colleges require?

Students pursuing higher education should know that most 4-year colleges and universities in the United States require world language study for acceptance. Many require that students demonstrate proficiency in a second language for graduation. Some institutions give college credit or exempt students from degree requirements in languages for demonstrating proficiency as a result of their high school experience.

World Languages at the college level

What are the benefits of studying a world language?

There are numerous benefits gained by studying a world language. Second-language study provides students with the following:

Personal Benefits:

	exposure to cultural diversity
	increased creativity with the study of a world language
	opportunities to experience world language literature and authentic material
	personal satisfaction through the ability to communicate across languages and cultures

Intellectual Benefits:

	improved listening and memory skills
	increased vocabulary skills in English
	improved performance in English reading skills
	better understanding of the structure of the English language
	higher scores on SAT’s and other standardized tests
	increased academic achievement in social studies and mathematics

Career Benefits:

	language requirements for post-secondary study
	enhanced employment opportunities
	competitiveness in the global economy

What does the research show?

Research shows that students who study a world language…..

	score higher on the SAT’s
	develop more cultural sensitivity toward others
	display higher developed thinking skills
	demonstrate greater listening and retention skills
	are more creative
	have larger vocabularies

What are some important facts about world language acquisitions?

Important Facts

World languages are essential or important as a primary or adjunct skill in nearly 200 occupations.

Each major U.S. company routinely employs 500 to 5,000 people with world language skills.

The Armed Forces are increasing language training for officers.

The National Academy of Sciences considers knowledge of world languages vital for the United States to remain competitive in technology, science and trade.

The United States government employs about 30,000 persons with a working knowledge of one or more world languages.

Foreign banks are opening branches in most major American cities. New York alone has nearly 200 of these banks that need employees with world language skills.

In recent years annual exports to foreign countries exceeded nearly 8 billion dollars.

What can a parent do to help his/her child with world language study?

Here are some ideas for parents:

Support your child with his/her language study. Encourage and emphasize the importance of learning a second language.

Learn about the course and communicate with the teacher about the program.

Encourage your child to watch and listen to programs in the world language.

Encourage your child to read magazines and newspapers in the world language.

Show an interest in your child’s language program by encouraging him/her to use the language at home or to teach you some items.

Share in your child’s success with the language.

The following links are also useful tools for selecting a world language:

Why, How, and When should my child study a world language?

Seventeen Values of Foreign Language Study

The Importance of Foreign Language Study

National Standards

PA Dept of Education World Languages

This site is maintained by Jo Schuler and was last updated August 24, 2007.