Fluency in a foreign language is now one of the most valuable skills in the job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 25,000 new jobs are expected to open over the next decade for interpreters and translators. Businesses around the globe are searching for people with language skills as well. However, according to a study from Modern Language Association, foreign language enrollment is lower now than it has been in over ten years. Students learning languages will have a leg up on the competition as they pursue their careers after graduation. Dr. Timothy Richardson a Professor of Spanish and Chinese at BYU-Hawaii, said, “It's clear that there are benefits to learning languages. We have a scriptural obligation to share the gospel with the world, and languages can help us with that. If you have a language (or languages) in your tool bag when you're in the market for a job, you have more leverage and are more competitive. There are many other benefits.”In an increasingly globalized economy, being a multilingual is definitely advantageous for corporate success. The benefits of effective communication with people through multiple languages have long been known by the international business community as an indispensable tool for relationship building and financial success, said Lisa Chau of U.S. News.Those entering the workforce in 2014 with second language fluency can expect an additional 10 to 15 percent pay increase, said Chau.Jarek Buss, a junior from Wyoming who speaks Chinese and French, said that there are only benefits to learning a second language. Travel becomes a very different and more fulfilling experience. The way you connect with people and places is enhanced and you can understand so much more around you. Your resume is enhanced as well and you become increasingly more likely to get a job and be paid more. The benefits and pay increases do have a price though: time. Learning a new language takes time and some experts suggest that is why we have seen a decrease in foreign language class enrollment in the past decade. “Language learning is a challenge, but it will pay off if you persist. No matter what the advertisements say, you cannot be fluent in two weeks. It takes time,” said Richardson.Buss, who works at the Language center as a French tutor, said, “Learning a language just takes time and dedication. It is important to set aside time for learning your language and that’s a sacrifice.” Jehonna Kane a senior studying Elementary Education from Hong Kong said, “Learning different languages has benefited my life in a way so that I could understand people better. When you learn a different language, you learn its culture as well. Different cultures think differently, and there's no better way to understand how the people think and how they are than by leaning their language.”According to studies from the Modern Language Association, Umea University and others, there are also many psychological and anatomical benefits that come from learning a second language. Business Insider reports on research suggesting your brain actually increases in size with language learning. The increased growth can prevent later mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Wall Street Journal article suggest the bilingual brain to be sharper and more focused. The benefits of language learning are clear. Sacrifice, time and dedication will separate those that want to reap the benefits of a multilingual lifestyle. Uploaded Feb. 26, 2015.
Writer: Trenton McCullough
