Central offers French, German and Spanish as electives, with Spanish being offered to both beginners and native speakers. Yet, because language classes are electives, many students do not enroll in these classes and, therefore, miss out on the benefits of learning a new language.
I anticipated the relatively extensive language offerings coming into Central, especially with how Latin and Chinese were still offered when I started my freshman year in 2021. I enrolled in Spanish and German my freshman year, and while I have not continued with Spanish, I will be taking all four years of German offered at Central.
The American school system does not prioritize foreign or second language learning at all, which makes Central’s numerous language offerings even more impressive. Given the opportunities for language learning at Central, students should take advantage of these classes at the first chance they get.
Taking a language all four years of high school opens post-secondary opportunities for students, but even just one year of trying out a language introduces students to another language structure and culture.
Language classes are also just intriguing and fun! Many language classes have food days, so students learn about another culture’s cuisine. I already have my required elective credits, but I anticipate my AP German class next year.
Despite having studied my second language for almost a decade at this point, Central’s language classes solidified my language nerdiness. High school is an optimal point to participate in language learning because starting that learning now fits the language into your life path.
Bilingualism and multilingualism are invaluable skills that follow individuals throughout life. Knowing another language allows you to communicate with all that language’s speakers, which helps interpersonally and in job opportunities. Future employers value proficiency in another language for interacting with customers or international branches of a company. Students with proficient language skills could go into linguistics for the military or at least display the academic rigor associated with taking another language. In college, taking a language in high school may be required; the University of Nebraska system requires two years of the same foreign language. The awards and distinctions available to high schoolers proficient in their language also aid entry into college; the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy and World Language Distinguished Honor Award are honors awarded to students who excel at studying their target language.
Even though foreign language education is not required or emphasized in the American school system, knowledge of a language other than English is essential for global thinking and empathy in a world rapidly becoming more globalized. Within the United States, knowledge of Spanish especially allows for more communication with people in your community.
All too often, American exceptionalism undermines the value in looking outside of American culture. This prioritization of American culture undoubtedly extends to language; only 20% of school-age Americans take a foreign language, compared to a reported 92% of Europeans, according to the Pew Research Center. Language education also often starts too late (such as in high school) to foster a new language during the optimal learning period. Americans expect everyone to speak English, both abroad and for immigrants coming into the US. Taking a foreign language is a great start towards reaching outside of the culture you may have grown up in.
Ultimately, there is no harm in trying out a new language. The grammar and whole new language structure may seem intimidating, but first year classes focus on the basics. Plus, understanding another language’s grammar creates a more well-rounded understanding of your own. Language is one of the most entertaining subjects to study, because consuming any type of media in that language strengthens your understanding. Watching a movie or listening to music in another language, for instance, counts as studying.
A new language can become part of your life if you let it.
