Some Compelling Reasons For Studying Another

Language

A Subjective Viewpoint by a Language Teacher, Backed by Objective Data –

NOW YOU DECIDE!

English-only speakers will find themselves at a disadvantage as businesses enter global markets.

Even workers who intend to never leave their hometowns will probably be in touch with people from other countries.

Thanks to improved communication technology, U.S. businesses are dealing with international suppliers,

customers and colleagues.

Teotitlan, Mexico

Paris

Paris

Paris

Versace, Milan

The tremendous increase in the Latino American population has changed the way business is conducted...

With so many Latino-Americans speaking Spanish in the US, even basic service jobs will require some bi-lingual

ability…

Chartreuse Cellars, Grenoble, France

Chocolatier, Paris

“If you don’t speak Spanish in the southern part of the U.S., …

La Muralla, Puerto Rico

…you’re basically not marketable in the tourist trade.”- Fariborz Ghadar, Center for Global Business Studies, Penn State University

Alicante, Spain

About one in five U.S. residents speaks a language other than English in the home. – U.S. Census Bureau

The number of Spanish speakers in the U.S. rose 62% in the 1990s, to 28.1 million in 2000 from 17.3 million in

1990.- U.S. Census Bureau

Every American should develop proficiency not only in English, but in other languages as well. - ACTFL

Vicuñas in Chile

For those students who want to be best prepared for life beyond the classroom,…

… there will be increasing numbers of career opportunities that are enhanced by

proficiency in multiple languages.

Across the U.S., more than 500,000 elementary and over 7 million secondary students are enrolled in foreign

language courses. - ACTFL

Students at rest outside Notre Dame, Paris

Additionally, nearly 1.4 million students at American colleges and universities include language education in

their schedules. - ACTFL

The Louvre, Paris

“Our goal at the college level should be to encourage students to continue the study of languages…

The Plaza Mayor, Madrid

“…they began as K-12 students so that they may achieve or maintain high levels of proficiency.  - Dr. Audrey Heining-Boynton

German Knight 1512

“Studying other languages has been shown to contribute to increased cognitive skills, …

Cervantes Memorial, Madrid

“…better academic performance …”

“…and a greater understanding of others, …”

Vigil, San Sebastian, Spain

”…while also providing life-long learning opportunities for people beyond school age.” ACTFL

Grenoble, France

The world's ten most influential languages:

After weighing six factors (number of primary speakers, number of secondary speakers, number and population of countries where used, number of major fields using the language internationally, economic power of countries using the languages, and socio-literary prestige), (number of points given in parentheses)

1. English (37) 2. French (23) 3. Spanish (20) 4. Russian (16) 5. Arabic (14) 6. Chinese (13) 7. German (12) 8. Japanese (10) 9. Portuguese (10) 10. Hindi/Urdu (9)

George Weber’s article “The World’s 10 Most Influential Languages” in Language Today (Vol. 2, Dec 1997)

        Standardized test studies indicate that students who

have concentrated on foreign language studies generally are among the highest performers

in other subject areas.

-ACTFL

    ” Studying languages exposes us to more than just language – …”

Tántawawas Masks, Bolivia

Paris in Spring

“…we learn about the cultures and societies of the native speakers…”

Museé de le Gran Chartreuse

Corrida de Toros, Madrid

San Fermin Jolly Giants in Parade

Marianne, France

The Eiffel Tower, Paris

Art sellers on the Seine

“…and we are exposed to their literature as it was created.” - ACTFL

Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico

Gaining language proficiency can be a stimulating, rewarding activity for the adult who’s been away from the

classroom for many years. - ACTFL

Oaxaca, Mexico

“The mental discipline that is required …”

Walled City, Toledo, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

”…and the resulting cultural exposure …”

Monte Alban sculpture

Prince Phillip and Princess Letizia of Spain

The Prado Museum, Madrid

Cathedral, Toledo, Spain

Cathedral of Holy Family

Notre Dame de Paris

Arch of Triumph, Paris

Paris at Night from the Arch of Triumph

Notre Dame from the Seine, Paris

“…are life-enhancing experiences.”- ACTFL

Artist’s stalls, Montmarte, Paris

Cathedral, Barcelona

Fluency in other languages enhances a career resume.

Diana

Businesses need people who can communicate with global clients in many languages.

Eurail Station, Charles De Gaulle Airport, Paris

The increasing cohesiveness of the European Union enhances opportunities for international trade.

In the 21st century, multilingual international business people will be in a lucrative position…

…to communicate with clients…

…around the world.

Students of language gain special insights…

…that come from intense language study …

Princess Eugenie’s Jewels

Empress Josephine’s Tiara

El Álcazar, Toledo

… an understanding of the cultures, …

House of Commons, London

Cathedral, Barcelona

Goya

Sacre Couer, Montmartre

DellaRobbia

… the social customs …

El barrio español, Madrid

National Court, Barcelona

Baroque Fountain, Barcelona

…and the language subtleties that explain the difference…

…between what a person says and what they mean. - ACTFL

Les Deaux Magots, Paris

Expand your world; Learn a new language.

Toledo,Spain

The photography used in this production represents an ongoing lifetime love affair with

world languages and cultures.

Alicante, España, 1966 Paris, France, 2004

P.S.: It’s fun!

Photography*, script, editing and production by Anna Marie Pietrolonardo © 2004

Credits

Maps [flat] – John Wiley Publishers, 2003

[globes] – Microsoft Gallery, 2004

Articles:

•Coombes, Andrea.. “Bilingual Job Seekers Rise Above the Crowd”, Working, January 27, 2004

• “Year of Language: 2005” ACTFL, 2004

• Weber, George. “The World’s 10 Most Influential Languages”, Language Today Vol.. 2:Dec 1997.

[For Lifelong Language Learners It’s Never]

The End