Why language? Reasons Careers Benefits                                                       Reasons "There are many valid general reasons for Americans to study a foreign language: 1) a broadening of our cultural and intellectual horizons 2) a better understanding of our own language 3) encouragement for our acceptance of people who are different from us 4) an added practical skill in our functional repertoire, to name only a few". (Tennessee Foreign Language Teacher Association)     "The benefits of effective foreign language instruction focus on the role of the individual in a multilingual, global society. ...  The National Standards for Foreign Language Learning document states:  'To study another language and culture gives one the powerful key to successful communication: knowing how, when and why, to say what to whom.  ...Formerly, most teaching in foreign language classrooms concentrated on the how (grammar) to say what (vocabulary).  While these components of language remain crucial, the current organizing principle for language study is communication, which also highlights the why,the whom, and the when(the sociolinguistic and cultural aspects of language).'  The approach to second language instruction found in today's schools is designed to facilitate genuine interaction with others, whether they are on another continent, across town, or within the neighborhood." Back to top of page                     Careers The business climate too is changing.  We often face our foreign clients through electronic desktops, where the information from e-mail, videoconferencing, corporate chatrooms and web sites is ever current; the delivery often instantaneous.  In these circumstances, expectations for a quick turn-around are as high as the stakes. " (Tennessee Foreign Language Teacher Association)   Careers   Any job applicant  with foreign language skills will have an edge over the job competition, especially in today's expanding global marketplace.  Companies all over the world conduct business with one another.  The employee who can speak more than one language is a valuable asset.   Back to top of page                           Benefits What language does for college entrance tests Research studies clearly indicate that studying another language may give students the "edge"needed to succeed at higher levels in some other subjects.  A study of over 17,000 students applying for college admission revealed that "students who had completed a foreign language course in high school tended to have higher scores on the ACT exams in English and math regardless of their ability level" (Olsen & Brown 1992).  It has also been verified that "high school foreign language students perform significantly better on the SAT verbal exam than non-foreign-language students, and that SAT verbal scores increase successively with each half year of foreign language study" (National Standards).  (Illinois State Board of Education)   Many universities are increasing their requirements for foreign language study.  Schools that now require or recommend 4 years of high school study for certain colleges are:     University of Chicago  University of Illinois  Indiana University  Purdue University  University of Iowa  University of Wisconsin–Madison       Back to top of page Last updated 20 November 1999