Why you should learn a foreign language
I need a 4 page persuasive essay written on the topic: WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE As a part of each argument in support of learning a foreign language, I need to argue in support of my position and also state the opposite opinion of each argument and refute it. The essay needs to include: Introduction - clearly define the direction headed for essay topic, make it interesting in a way that the reader is hooked and interested in topic 1. Engage the reader 2. Explain the issue at hand 3. Establish your point of view a. thesis statement b. make statement interesting to hook reader & needs to be persuasive. Argument 1 - Cultural Awareness a. evidence/reference supporting argument b. evidence/reference supporting argument 2 - Academic / Career Enhancement a. evidence/reference supporting argument b. evidence/reference supporting argument Conclusion - Reinforce the overall focus of essay - do not restate main idea from Introduction a. reinforce thesis statement
Are you interested in learning the languages of other cultures but think it is too difficult or a waste of time? After all, the whole world speaks English right? Well, there's some truth to this argument, but only some. So, why should we learn a foreign language? There are many reasons and benefits to learning a new language that I am going to illustrate in this essay.
In the global community we live in today, there are more opportunities than ever to communicate and interact with others from across the globe that may not speak or understand English. Because of the global nature of our society, having foreign language skills will be more important for improving your academic skills and enhancing future career prospects, as well as allow you to develop an awareness and understanding other cultures.
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Why you should learn a foreign language
Why should one decide to learn another language? Answering this question depends upon one’s individual objectives. However, whether one thinks of foreign languages mainly for career development, or for intellectual, cultural or individual enrichment, any language is a worthwhile choice. Learning a foreign basically takes commitment and time. In this persuasive essay, clear and comprehensive arguments are provided as to why it is important for one to learn a foreign language. The opposite opinions of my arguments are stated and refuted. The major reasons why it is important to learn a foreign language are to gain cultural awareness, and for academic and career enhancement.
Argument 1: Cultural awareness – besides getting to learn a new language, the student will be able to gain exposure to a different culture. Consequently, this will heighten awareness of diverse cultures in general which will give the students a wider perspective regarding the world as well as improving the interaction of students with persons from other cultural backgrounds. It is notable that in today’s age of global interdependence and a society that is increasingly more multiethnic and multicultural, studying foreign language will give students insight into other cultures (Kang, Gollan, & Pashler, 2013). It will also build their cultural competency skills in a manner that no other discipline can do.
Curtain and Dahlberg (2011) stated that learning a foreign language is an important way of helping students to intercultural competence. In essence, the awareness of an international community could be improved whenever students have the chance of experiencing involvement with a different culture by way of a foreign language. The positive impact of cultural information is greatly improved whenever students experience that information through a foreign language, accompanied by experiences in situations that are culturally authentic. Strong evidence from studies has revealed that people who have learned a foreign language are more open-minded and tolerant of the dissimilarities amongst people (Curtain & Dahlberg, 2011).
Another evidence is from research by Gabszewicz et al., (2011) which showed that being able to speak a foreign language will help the person in getting to know a dissimilar culture and people as language and culture go together. Language basically defines and is defined by the world around us; hence studying a foreign language will open a person’s mind to new ideas and ways of viewing the world. Nonetheless, some people claim that studying a second language might be of no use to some people especially if they lack the interest in learning a foreign language. Furthermore, it can also be of no use if the person does not travel particularly in areas where the language is spoken. As such, they are unable to enjoy the benefits of knowing a foreign language. To refute this argument, it is noteworthy that failing to study another language could make a person to be isolated culturally. Cultures are defined with language, and a foreign language will give one access to a different culture. It enables an individual to communicate and exchange viewpoints with persons from various parts of the world (Kang, Gollan & Pashler, 2013).
Argument 2: For academic and career enhancement – learning a foreign language could enhance the knowledge of English structure as well as vocabulary. A research carried out in Louisiana public schools and comprising 13,200 3rd and 4th graders showed that despite academic level, gender or race, children who were taking foreign language classes actually performed v...