A World Outside by Kallie Nero
No matter how young or old, wealthy or impoverished, intelligent or dull, all humans live in worlds of their own. The planet Earth consists of 7.6 billion people, each living his or her own unique life. In order to live a fulfilled life, every person must experience the culture and traditions of the outside world. What barricades societies around the world from interacting and understanding the lives of others? The separation caused by varying languages roadblocks a connected world; therefore, exposure to a second language from a young age is detrimental for humans. Because most people live their lives speaking a single language without exposure to the outside world, those people are not able to experience the breathtaking differences of cultures and landscapes. Students who are exposed to foreign languages, either in school or at home, are expanding their view of the world and cultural sensitivity, benefiting them in the workplace, and strengthening their brain.
If boys and girls begin learning and embracing another language and culture from a young age, their knowledge will expand and cultural sensitivity will be nurtured. Learning a second language in school allows for opportunities to explore the world outside of their own and is beneficial throughout every stage of life. “Being able to communicate in another language exposes us to and fosters an appreciation for the traditions, religions, arts, and history of the people associated with that language” (“10 Benefits”). A majority of humans are impacted by the insensitivity and intolerance of past and current generations, which could be lessened by being exposed to different people and cultures at an early age. Once people become accustomed to different languages and cultures, the barrier seems less prevalent. This is why early exposure to foreign languages and cultures would reduce the abundance of racism, separation, and judgment throughout the world.
Coinciding with embracing new cultures, learning a second language opens up new job opportunities as well. Albert Siaz and Elena Zoido, two Harvard students, completed an experiment to determine if learning a second language pays off. According to their study, “The estimated foreign language coefficient implies a 2.8% wage premium associated with speaking a foreign language for the average individual” (Saiz and Zoido). This percentage may seem miniscule, but after spending years in the field, the money grows exponentially. Mark Zuckerberg, the Co-founder and CEO of Facebook, can speak both English and Mandarin, which allows for communication within the business world and his own family (Yates). Becoming bilingual has allowed for advancements in his work life and home life. A second language should become a part of every child’s life from a young age (Yates).
While embracing a second language is beneficial for work life, the skill is also extremely beneficial to the development of the brain at a young age. When children are introduced to the concept of a foreign language in their youth, they are at an advantage later on in life. According to Time Magazine, “New studies are showing that a multilingual brain is nimbler, quicker, better able to deal with ambiguities, resolve conflicts and even resist Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia longer” (Kluger). The younger the child is when he or she is exposed, the easier it is for their brain to learn a second language. It is stated that, “as early as nine months after birth, some of our language synapses start getting pruned away” (Kluger). Because the positive effects of bilingualism are prevalent in society, schools all around the world are pushing for young minds of children to be introduced to a second language.
Language variances are the main barrier for human communication. Young children around the world could be happily playing together and sharing experiences instead of living secluded lives. Through bilingualism, humans are connected to various cultures throughout the world, which improves their brain function, and enhances their career success.
Works Cited
Kluger, Jeffrey. “How the Brain Benefits From Being Bilingual.” Time, Time, 18 July 2013, science.time.com/2013/07/18/how-the-brain-benefits-from-being-bilingual/.
Saiz, Albert, and Zoido, Elena. “The Returns to Speaking a Second Language.” www.phil.frb.org, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Oct. 2002, www.phil.frb.org/-/media/research-and-data/publications/working-papers/2002/wp02-16. pdf.
Yates, Y. “Knowing More than One Language Could Give You an Edge in Your Career - Here Are 6 Super Successful People Who Are Also Bilingual.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 13 Aug. 2017,www.businessinsider.com/6-top-business-leaders-that-speak -more-than-one-language-2017-8.
“10 Benefits of Learning a Second Language.” Lead with Languages, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, www.leadwithlanguages.org/why-learn-languages /top-ten-reasons-to-learn-languages/.
No matter how young or old, wealthy or impoverished, intelligent or dull, all humans live in worlds of their own. The planet Earth consists of 7.6 billion people, each living his or her own unique life. In order to live a fulfilled life, every person must experience the culture and traditions of the outside world. What barricades societies around the world from interacting and understanding the lives of others? The separation caused by varying languages roadblocks a connected world; therefore, exposure to a second language from a young age is detrimental for humans. Because most people live their lives speaking a single language without exposure to the outside world, those people are not able to experience the breathtaking differences of cultures and landscapes. Students who are exposed to foreign languages, either in school or at home, are expanding their view of the world and cultural sensitivity, benefiting them in the workplace, and strengthening their brain.
If boys and girls begin learning and embracing another language and culture from a young age, their knowledge will expand and cultural sensitivity will be nurtured. Learning a second language in school allows for opportunities to explore the world outside of their own and is beneficial throughout every stage of life. “Being able to communicate in another language exposes us to and fosters an appreciation for the traditions, religions, arts, and history of the people associated with that language” (“10 Benefits”). A majority of humans are impacted by the insensitivity and intolerance of past and current generations, which could be lessened by being exposed to different people and cultures at an early age. Once people become accustomed to different languages and cultures, the barrier seems less prevalent. This is why early exposure to foreign languages and cultures would reduce the abundance of racism, separation, and judgment throughout the world.
Coinciding with embracing new cultures, learning a second language opens up new job opportunities as well. Albert Siaz and Elena Zoido, two Harvard students, completed an experiment to determine if learning a second language pays off. According to their study, “The estimated foreign language coefficient implies a 2.8% wage premium associated with speaking a foreign language for the average individual” (Saiz and Zoido). This percentage may seem miniscule, but after spending years in the field, the money grows exponentially. Mark Zuckerberg, the Co-founder and CEO of Facebook, can speak both English and Mandarin, which allows for communication within the business world and his own family (Yates). Becoming bilingual has allowed for advancements in his work life and home life. A second language should become a part of every child’s life from a young age (Yates).
While embracing a second language is beneficial for work life, the skill is also extremely beneficial to the development of the brain at a young age. When children are introduced to the concept of a foreign language in their youth, they are at an advantage later on in life. According to Time Magazine, “New studies are showing that a multilingual brain is nimbler, quicker, better able to deal with ambiguities, resolve conflicts and even resist Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia longer” (Kluger). The younger the child is when he or she is exposed, the easier it is for their brain to learn a second language. It is stated that, “as early as nine months after birth, some of our language synapses start getting pruned away” (Kluger). Because the positive effects of bilingualism are prevalent in society, schools all around the world are pushing for young minds of children to be introduced to a second language.
Language variances are the main barrier for human communication. Young children around the world could be happily playing together and sharing experiences instead of living secluded lives. Through bilingualism, humans are connected to various cultures throughout the world, which improves their brain function, and enhances their career success.
Works Cited
Kluger, Jeffrey. “How the Brain Benefits From Being Bilingual.” Time, Time, 18 July 2013, science.time.com/2013/07/18/how-the-brain-benefits-from-being-bilingual/.
Saiz, Albert, and Zoido, Elena. “The Returns to Speaking a Second Language.” www.phil.frb.org, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Oct. 2002, www.phil.frb.org/-/media/research-and-data/publications/working-papers/2002/wp02-16. pdf.
Yates, Y. “Knowing More than One Language Could Give You an Edge in Your Career - Here Are 6 Super Successful People Who Are Also Bilingual.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 13 Aug. 2017,www.businessinsider.com/6-top-business-leaders-that-speak -more-than-one-language-2017-8.
“10 Benefits of Learning a Second Language.” Lead with Languages, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, www.leadwithlanguages.org/why-learn-languages /top-ten-reasons-to-learn-languages/.