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Amy Johnson
Professor Matthew Smith
SPN-1020-006-Sp17
29 April 2017

Benefits for Learning a Second Language

Learning a second or foreign language can be very difficult for some. The benefits one can

receive from learning a foreign or second language are rewarding in many ways. These benefits

include, but are not limited to: compassion, increased cognitive skills, increased testing ability in

standardized tests, and job opportunities. (Weatherford).

Learning a foreign language contributes to gaining compassion for people of all economic and

socio-economic walks of life. Compassion leads to understanding the difference in cultures and

beliefs from someone who does not speak English as a first language. Unfortunately there is a

hatred for those who do not speak English that remains in this country.

Mostly along the lines of my father from Germany had to learn English to live here, there is no

reason they cannot learn English. Unfortunately this epitaph is repeated all over the United

States. Especially with the current President of the United States in office. Taking a foreign

language has opened my eyes to the many intricacies of culture and language of other countries.

Compassion comes more easily when you experience a persons culture and circumstances first

hand.

One of the other benefits of learning a foreign language is the job opportunities that arise from

being bilingual/multilingual. The United States of America have several people that speak

English as a second language or not at all. Being able to speak multiple languages to translate in

public oriented business makes a very valuable employee.

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Taking Spanish this semester has opened my eyes to many different cultural aspects of Latinos. I

have learned more tolerance and compassion for those who do not speak English as a first

language. The struggles I have felt first hand in learning to speak a foreign language has been

difficult. By taking a foreign language it forces people to see how difficult it is to turn learn

English.

Taking Spanish this semester has really helped with my employer. Working for a non-profit in

affordable housing I have had people come in looking to rent an apartment. They struggle with

communicating what their questions or needs are. The little Spanish I have learned has helped

me greatly to communicate on or more effective level with those who speak Spanish. The

interesting thing is that even those who do not speak Spanish I am able to understand their

English with different accents better. Learning foreign language has opened the language part of

my brain to help me in the cognitive capacities of my everyday life.

The compassion for other people and the ability to communicate more effectively in my job is

the most valuable lesson I will take from this Spanish course. Taking this course has also helped

me communicate more effectively with my English writing skills. Relearning about the structure

of sentences, adverbs, clauses, and grammar has made me a better communicator. This Spanish

class has been one of the most important classes I have ever taken.
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Works Consulted

Jacobson, Holly E., Lauren Hund, and Francisco Soto Mas. Directory of Open Access

Journals. Literacy and Numeracy Studies. UTS EPRESS, 01 Mar. 2016. Web. 27 Apr.

2017. https://doaj.org/article/35909f0e99624c1a910169f65195ea6f

Weatherford, H. Jarold. Ericdigests.org. Personal Benefits of Foreign Language Study. ERIC

Digest. ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages and Linguistics Washington DC. 30

Sept.1986. Web. 28 Apr. 2017. https://www.ericdigests.org/pre-924/study.htm