The Power of Learning a Foreign Language

Imagine the human brain as an organ that is constantly challenging itself, growing new neurons, and often searching for new ways for growth and improvement of its capacity. What if learning a foreign language in school would unlock a student's potential even more? Indeed, in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, the ability to communicate across different languages and cultures is invaluable. Various studies have shown that the process of learning a new language stimulates intellectual development and enhances students' capabilities in their thinking processes, benefiting students not only in communication but also in other aspects of life. While some may think that learning a foreign language within school hours may place a time strain on acquiring other important subjects, the evidence shows that learning a new language is essential for students' development, as it improves critical thinking skills like problem-solving, improves attentiveness and memory, thereby significantly improving students' academic execution.

Opponents argue that learning a foreign language in school presents significant challenges, mostly by forcing additional hours of learning, in an already difficult academic schedule, which potentially alters their results in their main subjects such as mathematics, science, and English. Their main concern is that adding a foreign language to students' curriculum leads to limited learning time for other important subjects like mathematics and science, potentially leading to additional academic obligations for students (Patel, 2). However, according to a study published in Psychological Science, students who know additional languages tend to perform better in their examinations in mathematics and English language arts (Bennett, 3). By learning a foreign language, it directly improves cognitive functions, such as memory and attention, which actively improves students' capacity to shine across many other subjects, rather than diminishing from it due to a time constraint. The time and effort devoted to language learning gives an improved academic execution in unrelated subjects.

Moreover, opponents believe that all students have different abilities in studying, and when foreign language learning is forced onto all students or students with linguistic disadvantages, it can lead to negative emotions like frustration, loss of motivation, and a general negative impact on their grades in core subjects (Patel, 3). Conversely, the Modern Language Association believes that bilingual students display a better grasp of language concepts in their native language than monolingual students due to being exposed to learning different grammatical structures, expanding their vocabulary, and understanding of their mother language (Bennett, 5). This counters the opinion that language learning harms struggling students; rather, it shows that the process of learning a foreign language forms linguistic understanding and intellectual skills that tend to improve the academic performance of all students, regardless of their linguistic predisposition. Furthermore, the University of Maryland states that bilingualism can "reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease" and other diseases related to memory loss later in life, which shows the long-term health benefits compared to short-term academic struggle (Bennett, 4).

However, the advantages of learning a foreign language are immense, demonstrating their important role as a school subject, promoting growth, and preparing students for the future. One primary benefit of learning a foreign language in school is due to its benefits on brain function development, which improves students' cognitive abilities. Learning a foreign language "promotes cognitive development by strengthening various mental abilities, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and multitasking," adding to the benefits of enhanced memory and concentration (Bennett, 3). This mental enhancement stems from analyzing various situations, learning new grammatical rules, memorizing new vocabulary terms, and verbal practice of the new linguistic knowledge acquired. This confirms that language learning is not only about communication, but also a mental training that strengthens superior mental capabilities, directly influencing their performance in the academic field.

Moreover, being proficient in a second language strengthens students' chances of acquiring better opportunities in higher education and career opportunities. Malik Johnson, in 'The Bilingual Advantage,' states that "91% of American colleges and universities consider proficiency in a second language a valuable admission criterion," as it illustrates students' "dedication" and "cultural awareness" (Johnson, 3). This competitive advantage is further extended by the increasing desire for bilingual staff, which has "doubled in the past five years" in industries like "healthcare, finance, hospitality, and technology" (Bennett, 2). This evidence shows that apart from gaining knowledge, learning a foreign language gives a competitive advantage for future college applications and future career opportunities, as it is a valuable quality for success in the modern day. Adding to it, proficiency in several languages stimulates "cultural understanding and empathy," which fosters the need for meaningful global engagement and builds strong and trustworthy international connections, a skill strongly valued by professionals (Bennett, 6).

All in all, the opinions regarding time limits and learning differences in foreign language acquisition are explicable; the evidence shows the immense and multilayered benefits of including foreign language education in high school curricula. Absorbing the horizons of a foreign language not only improves cognitive abilities like increased concentration and problem-solving skills, but also leads to higher performance and understanding in other mandatory academic fields. The knowledge of several languages opens the future prospects of the student's education and professional opportunities, making them more marketable in a highly competitive world of global opportunities. Therefore, learning a new language should not be an option, as it is one of the key ingredients of students' educational path, providing them with the necessary academic and intellectual tools and competitive advantages to shine bright in our world.

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Works Cited 

Bennett, E. (n.d.) Unlocking the Power of a Second Language.

Johnson, M. (n.d.) The Bilingual Advantage.

Patel, A. (n.d.) Rethinking Learning a Second Language in Schools.