By Marcus Canton
Foreign languages have become something every student has to take throughout middle school and into high school. As important as they may seem, should students really be forced to take them? How are students affected by being forced to take a foreign language in school?
Knowing a foreign language in this day and age is essential. The world has become more connected so knowing another language can only help. Learning another language at a young age creates opportunities later in life. Additionally, at a young age when our brains are developing, learning a new language helps improve memory. A lot of scientific research has been done showing that learning a new language helps increase gray matter, which improves memory.
The cons of a foreign language lie in the type of student a person is. Mostly the ability to learn and comprehend a language. Learning a language isn’t an easy thing. It’s not for everyone. Learning a new language takes a high level of skill, practice, and determination. Especially at a young age, a new language is difficult. It can be confusing for younger children to understand two languages at once. As their brains develop comprehending two different languages can be a challenge.
Overall, learning a foreign language comes with its pros and cons. Varying from student to student, learning a language comes with its benefits. However, schools should give students an option because not all students are capable of learning another language. Adding that stress could really ruin a student. Although knowing another language could be vital in certain jobs it’s not something all students need.
