Reyes, Dalila

Instr. Gross

English 103

March 11, 2011

The Study of Foreign Languages

            Is the need of learning more than on language necessary for such a dominant and influential country such as the United States? I believe the answer is yes, as it is imperative for our country to remain economically and socially superior in technology and education.  The originating language of our country is English, it is the language in which we do domestic and international business, trade and investment.  As our country moves into a higher advance in technology and education, other countries are adapting and emphasizing the need to learn the language of such as superior country.  Yet, the United States falls short when compared to other countries such as China or Russia, but as a country we do little to encourage the necessity to learn the different languages that also influence the world.  Emphasis needs to be applied within the education system to offer courses in the study of different languages and accountably in both college and university levels to see that every student is successfully completing and moderately mastering a language course.  This is beneficial in insuring long term success not only for a student, but as for the country as well.  As a country with so many resources at hand, each American should be bilingual in more than two languages. The diversity of cultures and influences are limitless, therefore it is important for the young American population to be able to compete in this high demand  world.  Career advancement and success in our country greatly depends on the schooling one has received.  Many employers look to the skills and bilingual attributes one posses.   For example, the high immigration rate that is occurring in our country is creating a higher population that is unable to understand and speak the English language.  As our neighboring country, south of the boarder, is a Spanish speaking country, the demand of bilingual speakers is on the rise.  When hiring a position in a city level government such as Los Angeles, a predominantly Spanish speaking city, an employer will review many applications before hiring for the position.  When two applicants contain the same amount of schooling and major, the difference between being passed up or hired could fall on the bilingual background that one applicant may have.  Thus giving that applicant the upper hand and the higher potential of being hired.  If all education systems required the learning of a second language, an employer will not be given the opportunity to solely base his or her decision on the ability to speak a second language.  Higher emphasis would be placed on the higher experience level and previous job experience.  A dual language provides the opportunity for higher success in this competitive market. 

            As for a the benefits for the country as a whole, the United States can lead the way with its high education levels and proficiency in language.  Our country is considered a melting pot, in which there are many different cultures, religions, ethnicities.  Why not take advantage of the multicultural languages and opportunities that exist right here in our very own country?  The opportunity is now, so that we can become a better tomorrow.