Why English-speaking Americans Should Learn a Foreign Language

Prevent cognitive decline and develop respect for other cultures.

With English being one of the predominant global business languages, many Americans may wonder why they should learn a foreign language. If translators are readily available in numerous countries, then what’s the point?

The ability to speak multiple languages has benefits. Whether you are bilingual or a polyglot, multilinguistic skills will provide you with an advantage. Some studies have even shown that bilingualism improves later-life cognition.

Unfortunately, many Americans fail to see the value of learning another language. It can be a convenient skill to have. Instead of always relying on someone else to help, you can communicate better with those from foreign countries or immigrants who have moved to America.

I went to Costa Rica with my mother when I was 16 as a part of an educational tour group. I had taken two years of high school Spanish, so I tried to speak the language when I could. More accurately, my mother asked me Spanish words and would then ask questions in Spanish as I was too shy and afraid of messing up.

We were so proud after ordering “el numero uno, hamburguesa sin cebolla, por favor.” When the cashier at the Wendy’s checkout spoke back rapidly in Spanish, my mother and I looked at each other in confusion before asking my Spanish-speaking friend, who was in line behind us, for help.

Even though we botched the language more than a few times during the trip, the Costa Ricans appreciated our effort. They smiled and even corrected my mother and me on words that we got wrong.

Learning a new language is challenging, especially for someone who has never spoken more than one language. Our native language is first learned at home. What our parents speak when we are young will be absorbed, processed, and eventually spoken. After using English for one’s entire life, picking up French, Spanish, or any other language could feel impossible.

However, learning a foreign language is a great thing to do for many reasons.

As mentioned above, learning a second language could benefit your mental health by forcing the brain to utilize parts that otherwise may not be active. One article notes, “The brain is a muscle, and it is theorized that the effort of learning a language strengthens it, in a manner similar to how swimming and running can improve a person’s lungs and heart.”

In addition to preventing cognitive decline, learning a new language adds another skill to your repertoire. You can note that you are bilingual on job resumes, develop relationships with people you may not have otherwise been able to communicate with and pick up a third or fourth language more easily.

Finally, learning a foreign language cultivates respect for other cultures. Going through life as a native English speaker without ever trying to learn a new language allows you to remain within your privilege. Even if you never plan to travel outside the United States, trying to learn a new language gives you a glimpse of the difficulties experienced by those who immigrate to America and have to learn English. It’s frustrating to be misunderstood and to not understand those around you.

Bilingualism increases cognitive efficiency, develops a new skill, and creates deeper respect for those around you who may be from another culture.

I’m currently trying to learn Japanese so that I can watch anime without subtitles. I’d love for my readers to share in the comments what language you would like to learn.