In Virginia Beach public schools, a student is not allowed to study a foreign language for a full year until they are in the seventh grade. “If you don’t use it in your everyday life, then you shouldn’t learn it in school,” is the mindset of school policy developers and possibly parents of students. The importance of foreign language is informally spoken about but not an official part of policy, which is irresponsible. What is the point of this policy?

The first reason students should be encouraged to take a foreign language is that it helps improve their English. Making connections between information learned in different classes is an essential part of learning. The more languages a student is familiar with, the more connections they will make between languages. They will understand grammar structure and its purpose as they can compare and contrast it between languages. This in turn will make their grammar structure in English more accurate and will give students a new appreciation for the beauty of literature in English. It will increase vocabulary because they will have more experience with root words and/or cognates such utiliser in French to utilize in English.

Also, it makes a student’s resume more impressive to universities or future employers. In many cultures, including ours, a multilingual person is regarded as sophisticated, intelligent, and well rounded. In a country where university acceptance is ridiculously competitive, anything that can boost your resume helps. You can even get scholarships and new opportunities awarded to you for speaking other languages. Also, there are many scenarios in which your salary may go up.

If a student doesn’t take a foreign language, their chances to compete in a global market are significantly reduced. Often times when one studies a language, they also obtain elements of the cultures of the people of speak that language. This makes them more able to interact with people from different companies which is a necessary trait for international business, influential political bodies (UN or NATO), etc. This is a counterproductive policy in a world where taking a foreign language is a mandatory thing.

If a student can better their resume for universities and employers better preparing them for the global market and giving the chance to compete in the global market, while simultaneously seeming more intelligent and well versed, how can you withhold such an opportunity? Why would you want to?