Moreover, learning a second language can benefit a person in various cognitive aspects and improve ones life. The benefits of having more culturally aware students are numerous, and the effects are immeasurable. A couple of the students at the camp knew multiple languages, and it was much easier for them to pick up English. Auburn University graduate Andrew Tucker, a full-time legal translator and lecturer of translation in Mexico City, emphasizes that while learning a foreign language positively impacts employability and pay, it also provides opportunities to learn about other cultures and communicate with people from different parts of the world. How does learning a foreign language help with cultural awareness? "Some of them are in health professions, some of them are in engineering or business, and some of them are double majors with political science and are going to go on to law school. Reflecting on these differences, it was evident that knowing another language provided advantages in further learning. This dilemma is discussed further by Fonseca-Greber (2010), who explains that the main obstacle in a language teacher’s quest toward intercultural competency in the foreign language Requiring students to learn a second language at an earlier age will allow many of these skills, skills that are often neglected, to be emphasized in our education system. Research shows that people who are multilingual may be better at processing language and other analytical tasks. The annual observance, established by the UN in 1999, is a day to promote multilingualism and celebrate the world’s linguistic and cultural diversity, especially minority and indigenous languages. For example, learning a second language involves activities such as writing short stories, talking with classmates, watching movies from another culture, and interacting in games. This is due to a different part of the brain that is being activated. The department, in the College of Liberal Arts, offers 10 languages: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Latin, Russian, Italian, French, German and Spanish. Your email address will not be published. So let’s have a look at a few issues that can help some language learners. This fact alone should motivate proponents of No Child Left Behind, and similar test enthusiasts, to further fund secondary languages in earlier years of education. Even if it’s just 5 minutes of learning a day, with continual practice you can create a solid foundation for starting language study. Culture awareness has become an important focus of modern language education, a shift that reflects a greater awareness of the inseparability of language and culture, and the need to prepare students for intercultural communication. As the beauty of the language lies in the distinctive culture and beliefs of that particular foreign language. If your Facebook account does not have an attached e-mail address, you'll need to add that before you can sign up. Vistawide, n.d. Sign up. Powered by People rarely give a second thought to how their native language works, but language learners are forced to be more conscious of grammatical rules and constructions of that language, which can give new insight into how they use their mother tongues. Overall, learning an additional language can significantly improve cognitive abilities and bring added personal benefits. Web. N.p., n.d. Writing systems only exist for about one-third of the world’s languages, so language itself is the only way to convey a culture’s oral traditions. In addition to the benefits economically and culturally, there is an apt amount of research showing the exponential cognitive and personal benefits of learning another language. When working for a local restaurant, I was noticeably better at my job then other waiters because I could communicate with my Spanish-speaking co-workers. © 2020. One of the many things I have found while working with these international students, is that many of them find it easier to immerse themselves and learn more about the culture in the United States with a better understanding of English. “The Benefits of Second Language Study .” Connecticut State Department of Education. Didn’t learn a second language as a kid? "It helps you have a broader perspective and a broader view of the world.". It is about understanding and experiencing another culture and society, and, through this, broadening your own perspectives and outlook on the world. But multi-linguals can read new literature without translation, sing along to songs and actually understand the lyrics and watch foreign films without the need for pesky subtitles. And a more active brain could delay neurological diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's. Learning a second language can be done through many different avenues as opposed to math, which must be done in procedures, working out a problem. Welcome back! Learning a Foreign Language help with Cultural Awareness. 2013. Check out original content and videos published every day to help you learn about the issues that mean the most to you. Learning a foreign language allows us to better understand a culture by providing a way to interact with locals and break the initial language barrier that holds two people back from fully engaging with each other. An experience abroad has the ability to enhance careers, often leading to promotions and valuable skills dealing with foreign customers. Not a Global Citizen yet? foreign language courses with an unwillingness to consider another point of view as well as a lack of awareness of their own culture. It automatically makes you interested in the cultural traditions that are tied to learning a language. Although various cultural awareness training programmes are readily available, learning a foreign language is truly the best way in which to gain this skill. Duke University, 2007. Meet other Global Citizens who care about the same issues you do. Learning a new language doesn’t mean just simply being able to speak and understand the basic terms of that language. . Whether it be about maximizing the potential of a business or any other work, awareness is the key to understanding the foreign market situation. She works in inside sales where she prepares proposals in English and in Spanish, and also works in marketing information to attract new businesses which includes translating brochures and website information to Spanish. You can only achieve the cultural awareness part if your learning is open towards understanding the reasoning behind the cultural difference. Learning a second language provides unique opportunities to understand and immerse oneself another culture, that couldn’t be done otherwise. Switching between languages causes the part of your brain responsible for problem-solving and filtering information to work more efficiently. "You also have the opportunity to learn about the cultures involved with those languages and countries," he said. Learning about the culture can open new avenues for your career too. Moreover, learning a second language allows students to explore and better understand another culture. It is also a good choice for seniors who have opted for the thesis option, especially those in honors programs. Your email address will not be published. The Auburn University Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures provides students with the classes and resources necessary to learn a new language and reap the benefits that come with it. And when languages share similarities, it's easier to apply your knowledge of one language to another and travel to different regions of the world. This Sunday, February 21st is International Mother Language Day. Not to forget language learning results in better communication skills and providing various new communication pathways between the learner and a culture. Extreme poverty ends with you. Send petitions, emails, or tweets to world leaders. Learning a second language allows cross-cultural communication, and opens the door to an entire network of people that a person might not have had contact with before. During my junior year, I spent time abroad teaching English to students in Spain at an English Immersion camp called Pueblo Ingles. In our globalized world, it has become even more essential in the job market to know another language. It builds a bond between the learner and that language. Regardless, Spanish has come to offer me a whole new array of possibilities for the future. When traveling to foreign countries, knowing or attempting to learn the local language shows a respect towards another culture. As understanding, culture is always a plus point for the company you are working for. 23 Mar. Tucker is a full-time legal translator and lecturer of translation in Mexico City. Auburn graduate Andrew Tucker, right, works with Lois Feuerle, left, at the American Translators Association table during the Rights Center at the Guadalajara International Book Fair. A Case for Emphasizing Secondary Language Education in the United States. Language learning and acquisition is an excellent potential thesis topic for students working towards a master's degree in English, Linguistics, Education or English as a Second Language (ESL). The person willing to learn a new language should be a good listener because doing so can help in better understanding of verbal cues and developing a better understanding of the culture and beliefs. “Why Learn Languages? Sign in to start taking action. 2013. Specifically, in jobs dealing with marketing, sales, or technical support, knowing a second language can add between 10% and 15% to your wage (Hazlehurst, 2010). If you are or aspire to be a globetrotter, learning languages is a must! Having the ability and willingness to engage with many different kinds of people can go a long way in better understanding and tackling global challenges like poverty and inequality. Additionally, I help tutor English language learners at Penn State University to help with their conversational fluency, along with their grammar concepts. Having a deeper cultural knowledge can help you provide an advantage of predicting the market changes in order to make the right choices. Web. Learning a language forces you to improve your listening skills and while making you look at your own language in a different way. Since the competition in every field has become intense with time, understanding something by its basic culture is an amazing step to take. As the world is becoming an increasingly globalized society where we live in, understanding the various global perspectives and affairs has become a necessity. During my time there, I saw the numerous examples of the advantages of knowing a second language. But, instead of understanding the culture and broadening the ability to understand that particular outlook. It’s not surprising that Sherlock Holmes was multi-lingual. Knowing a second language also allows you to connect with more people and if you learn in a group setting, you’re automatically part of a larger community of language learners. Having fluency in another language gives an edge on any resume by showing employers potential to converse with an entirely different group of people. 24 Mar. It is about understanding and experiencing another culture and society, and, through this, broadening your own perspectives and outlook on the world. There are also health benefits to learning a foreign language, such as enhanced listening skills and a stronger memory. . Competence in a certain language allows you to connect with various native speakers and understand the culture and connect in a manner like never before. “Learning a foreign language: Now you’re talking.” The Guardian. WordPress. 2013. In an increasingly globalized world, where technology is increasingly making communication faster and more efficient, it becomes even more pressing for citizens to be competent in other languages. 29 Mar. While learning a different language can make you more aware of cultural differences, you also come to understand why those differences exist and the importance of respecting cultures different from your own. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to re-activate your account. Thanks for signing up as a global citizen. “Cognitive Benefits of Learning a Second Language.” American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. It's pretty much a superpower. The Auburn University Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures provides students with the classes and resources necessary to learn a new language and reap the benefits that come with it. Of course, you can still learn about other cultures, but language learning really allows for a more immersive experience. 22 Mar. Remember while learning a new language that the focus should be on understanding the culture along with the native words. Many prospective language learners greatly underestimate what it means to be culturally aware. . NEA Research, Dec. 2007. Language is the best introduction to a new culture. Contrary to popular belief, learning a foreign language is not simply about being able to speak it. You can converse with locals without relying on charades or translation books and, most importantly, know what food to order without pointing at pictures. If you are keen about learning Arabic and various aspects associated with it then Al-dirassa is the best place for you to connect. I began learning Spanish during middle school, which was noticeably a disadvantage seeing how much easier it would have been to acquire the language at a younger age. I have made some lifelong friendships with wonderful people and that would not have necessarily been possible without the ability to communicate," Bradley concluded. For this purpose, relevant terms, such as culture and intercultural awareness, are defined and benefits, as reasons for including culture learning into the learning process are listed. On top of that, only 10 states require some type of second language credits to graduate from high school whereas in many European countries children begin to learn a second language from 6-9 years old, or in some cases 3 years old. Companies and businesses have a natural desire to expand their existing networks. When traveling to foreign countries, knowing or attempting to learn the local language shows a respect towards another culture. N.p., 27 Aug. 2010. In order to create your account we need you to provide your email address. [ad_1] Contrary to popular belief, learning a foreign language is not simply about being able to speak it. For myself, speaking other languages keeps me connected to family and friends who live in other parts of the world that don’t speak English. 2) Language is the gateway into another culture. Not only does Bradley use her foreign language degree in business, but she also started a foreign language program for children, Little Language LLC, which offers foreign language classes in seven different languages to children of all ages throughout the state of Alabama. Required fields are marked *. This freedom to learn in a variety of ways creates an environment in a classroom that teaches multiple ways of learning and skills. It will make learning simplified and understandable. Web. "Even if your ability to speak the language isn't perfect, it typically offers a sense of respect to our Spanish-speaking clients which in turn promotes a higher level of trust between the two parties, the seller and the buyer.". One of the graduate students I work with has found that learning and improving her English has made her more confident in speaking to students here. This stark difference in the age of when a language is taught may account for the fact that in the United States about 9% of the population is multilingual, whereas in Europe 52.7% of the population is multilingual (World Languages and Cultures). Wish to Know About Widely Used Arabic Learning Textbooks? Regardless of different points of view, culture has taken an important place in foreign language teaching and learning studies. When a language disappears, so does its culture and the body of knowledge it has accumulated. Keep updated on what they're doing to change the world. April Bradley, a 1997 graduate of Auburn University, has used her degree in Spanish-international trade in several different ways. People who want to learn about and take action on the world’s biggest challenges. So the culture of a country will be expressed through the language. Sometimes the culture can be harder to pick up than the language itself. Educators will often have students from many different language backgrounds, scientists will need to converse with others in their field from different countries, and those in the entertainment industry can open un their career aspects tenfold if they can effectively learn a second language. You will find various resources that will help you understand the culture and many interesting ways to learn the language. Learning a Foreign Language help with Cultural Awareness. Web. It’s never too late to start learning! With a new language, a whole new world will be open to you. It allows for an exchange for cultural norms and practices, furthering one’s education in respect to life different than their own. It becomes even more clear to me the benefits of a second language when considering the influence learning a second language has had on me. "Knowing a foreign language has given me an edge in a very competitive job market. I believe there needs to be an incorporation of a stronger foreign language program in the United States education system because learning a second language is and will continue to become increasingly important in our connected world. Article body. Web. Learning a foreign language takes time and dedication, but the rewards that come with knowing a new language are numerous. Apart from that negotiation between various countries always requires an understanding of culture and beliefs. This bond helps the learner feel more welcoming towards that language. Now that we’ve discussed the fluidity of language and culture over time, let’s take a look at what this has to do with you and your language-learning journey. It can make the whole communication a lot simpler and more successful than ever before. Every language has embedded cultural overtones. There are many languages and that’s why people take the help of language learning classes and products to learn different languages. Even movie titles can get lost in translation. It is important to have cosmopolitan citizens, especially in the United States, in order to create a true melting pot society. Cleanr theme by WPShoppe. While not every language may survive amidst globalization, choosing to study a lesser known language can help promote the preservation of minority languages and protect the cultural knowledge that comes along with it. Many prospective language learners greatly underestimate what it means to be culturally aware. Once a language is acquired, many personal benefits become clear. In turn, having a broader view of the world and learning other cultures is beneficial, even necessary, in a foreign language-based career. No matter […] Traveling is way more fun and easier when there isn’t a language barrier. And we may lose more than just words if we let them die out. It is about understanding and experiencing another culture and society, and, through this, broadening your own perspectives and outlook on the world. You can learn new languages like Arabic and more online with various sources. In comparison to monolinguals, foreign language learners have been shown to have sharper memories and better listening skills (The Benefits of Second Language Study 2007). The paper reports on an ongoing study into the presence and status of cultural understanding in EFL teaching. By the time most students begin a second language in middle school at the age of 14, it is often too late for them to become truly proficient in another language. The thesis deals with developing cultural awareness in primary level learners in foreign language learning in classroom setting. 2013. Traveling to another country for a job not only allows for tremendous opportunities for oneself, but also allows a company to broaden its network. The way languages are formed and local language like slang can give great insight into the people who speak it. For more information on the bilingual brain, watch this quick Ted Talk. Ever wanted a word that expresses that delightfully warm feeling of seeing an adorable little kitten? In such an interconnected world, it can only be a disadvantage not to learn a second language. If you haven’t realized already, all the benefits that come with learning another language will make you an awesome global citizen. The Official Source for Auburn University News, Delta partners with Auburn University to propel next generation of pilots, Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project receives $40K for visual arts classes, Auburn University Rural Studio’s 20K Initiative: The key to affordable home ownership, Lane closures begin mid-July for construction of South College Street Parking Deck, Seventh Auburn University graduate awarded Fulbright Scholarship. People who love to explore new languages and cultures will find the process to be very relatable. Al-dirassa center (Markaz ad-dirassa in Arabic) is an institute specialized in the online tuition of the literal Arabic language, the memorization, and the recitation of the Holy Quran and the Islamic sciences by distance courses via Skype. Learning a foreign language takes time and dedication, but the rewards that come with knowing a new language are numerous. Competence in the appropriate language allows you to read and listen … Language is one of the most important instruments of preserving heritage. 2013. The Cherokee language has a unique word called "oo-kah-huh-sdee" that does just that. There are many languages and that’s why people take the help of language learning classes and products to learn different languages. Their pervious knowledge of a variety of languages showed in their abilities to understand new grammar concepts and vocabulary as they were much more used to these cognitive processes. So in honor of International Mother Language Day, here are 7 good reasons why you should learn a new language. Furthermore, people who have learned a foreign language show greater cognitive development in mental flexibility, creativity, problem-solving, conceptualizing, and reasoning (Cognitive Benefits of Learning a Second Language). Knowing Spanish for instance, is helpful in learning and understanding other Romance languages like Italian, French and Portuguese. In the aspect of employment, a second language allows for new opportunities, experiences, and an edge when applying for jobs. Hazlehurst, Jeremy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Yet businesses are not the only types of employment where learning another language would be beneficial. Cultural Background Makes Language Learning Easier. It will help you to represent yourself in an ideal manner for any professional opportunity that comes up your way. “Second Language Benefits.” Your Dictionary. Learning a language without understanding the culture behind it is tasteless. The overwhelming access to networks of communities all over the world is cut short without a background in the language of the culture itself. It builds a bond between the learner and that language. Of course, you can still learn about other cultures, but language learning really allows for a more immersive experience. How This Understanding Affects Your Language Learning Journey. 23 Mar. .” World Languages and Cultures. As learning a language makes you even more aware of the surrounding and confident as you get an edge of perspective which usually others lack. Additionally, internships abroad are now options for me, that wouldn’t be possible without my background in Spanish. Contrary to popular belief, learning a foreign language is not simply about being able to speak it. For students learning English as their second language, the process was much more difficult as the concepts of a new language weren’t as easily understood and they struggled with the new structure. Lourdes Betanzos, department chair, explains that the benefits of learning another language go beyond just knowing another language. In total, I believe that learning a second language should be more emphasized in the United States education system. Many would argue that multilingualism is essential in an increasingly interconnected world. If you wish to be fully worldly aware then you must know about other cultures all around the world. A huge reason for cultural stereotypes, and prejudice is a lack of understanding between people of different cultures. Employers would be more apt to send a prospective employee abroad if he or she shows proficiency in another language. Many people think that the main or only career that stems from learning another language is teaching, but that's not the case. In total, the United States would benefit from emphasizing learning foreign language through economic and job possibilities, creating cosmopolitan citizens, and providing cognitive and personal benefits to the individual. No matter how familiar you may be with your native culture, you cannot … Yet the United States remains the only industrialized country that allows students to graduate from high school without credits in a foreign language. Learning a language is a great way to keep your brain healthy and sharp. Being able to speak Spanish instantly increases your client base since you are able to compete in their language and offer your product," Bradley explained. Make sure you are flexible towards various perspectives as it makes the process easy. Through an understanding of the language, you can really immerse yourself in the culture and experience so much more than you would if simply exploring the culture in English. "You cannot translate well without a profound knowledge of the culture that produces the documents you work with, so studying a foreign language was a very important stepping stone on the path to acquiring the other skills necessary to do my job," Tucker said. In addition to broadening one's worldview, learning another language allows for numerous career opportunities to develop. Language also conveys unique cultural expressions. It has allowed her to branch out and become immersed in the culture. Our native language influences the way we receive new information. I’ve personally seen and experienced the many benefits of learning a second language, and continue to find the employment, citizenship, and cognitive benefits to be numerous. We offer a variety of ways to make your voice heard. Know All About It, How Learning a Second Language Can Give a Boost to Your Resume, Discovering Unique and Easy Way to Learn Arabic, Ways to Keep Your Kids Motivated While Learning Arabic, List of Best Places in Egypt to Practice Arabic. In my experience, learning a second language requires an entirely different way of learning that fosters creativity in the classroom. A lot of our language majors are actually double majors," Betanzos explained. All of the research and data points to the continued benefits of learning a second language, which I have seen personally reinforced in my experience with other languages. Thus, nowadays people are dedicating a lot of their time in understanding and learning about foreign culture. Many language learners just focus on learning the words as it is. Language is the best introduction to a new culture. "It has allowed me to step inside the context of other cultures and truly understand their needs, and to fully appreciate the world in which I live. Minors are available in all languages and majors are available in Spanish, French and German. According to the UN, half of the more than 6000 languages spoken in the world will disappear by the end of the century. April Bradley, a 1997 Auburn graduate, has started a foreign language program for children, Little Language LLC, which offers classes in seven languages to children of all ages throughout Alabama.
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