Aliyah Golden
Special to In Motion
With the cost of college tuition on the rise, making the decision to pursue further education can be a difficult choice, but just having a degree doesn’t necessarily mean guaranteed employment.
For college students to be a cut above the rest when applying for that dream job, a second language is the key.
Whatever the reason a student decides to learn a second language in school, it will be useful, whether used during an international phone conference while facilitating a multi-million dollar deal, or simply asking for direction while visiting abroad.
According to the U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, fewer than 18 percent of Americans know a second language. Some will argue that learning a second language is not worth the investment considering that when traveling abroad, many people speak and understand English, so where is the benefit? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for translators and interpreters is projected to grow 46 percent in the next eight years.
A 2007 study conducted in Massachusetts by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages revealed that students outperform their non-foreign language speaking classmates. The study also showed that the students who spoke a second language scored higher on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System test after two to three years and significantly outperformed after seven to eight years on all MCAS sub-tests. The cognitive advantages of learning a second language include improved memory, mental flexibility and an overall healthier and sharper brain.
Josue Villa, 31, a student and Spanish tutor at Daytona State College said, “Knowing a second language is not only a great resume builder, but it also provides an advantage in the work place. We live in a diverse society with many ethnic backgrounds where learning a second language is a must.”
Villa said that learning a second language also improves memory and vocabulary through repetition and sees more outcomes that are successful in students who are dedicated and are prepared to put in two productive semesters of a foreign language.
Although there have been many studies conducted by well-respected universities, Harvard takes great pride in teaching over 70 languages, which according to the school is more than any other major university teaches.
Michael Crisafi, 23, an American student who is learning French at Daytona State College, said that with his experience in learning French, “The process of learning new words improves your memory just like any memorization exercise, but the benefits depend on how and where you use it.”
He strongly believes that knowing a second language can increase the chances of obtaining a job, “But, French probably will not help you get a job at McDonald’s,” he said.
Daytona State College’s School of World Languages & Speech offers classes in French, Spanish, German, Italian and American Sign Language. As the department’s website points out:
“In our classes, you will not simply learn the intricacies of the language but you will be guided through the discovery of the people who make those lands amazing. Whether you want to study languages for your career, are traveling to a distant land, or just want to know more about the place to which your family roots trace, the School of World Languages & Speech can help you though your journey.”
In addition to classes, the department offers a foreign film series, with subtitles in English, an annual international dinner, conversation partners and upcoming on March 26, the annual Multicultural Talent Show to be held at the News-Journal Center.
On Friday, Feb. 6, there also is being staged a daylong conference for faculty only titled “A New Look at the Old World.” During the event speakers will discuss “New Perspectives on Islam and Europe,” The Value of Languages and Intercultural Competence in the Global Workplace and All that Jazz: Russia & the Cold War.”
For information, contact conference organizer Ray Cornelius, cornelr@daytonastate.edu 386-506-4327. Seating is limited and faculty or teachers only are invited to attend.