As Americans, we sometimes forget about other parts of the world. In the States, everyone is hung up on being “the greatest country in the world” (i.e. better than everyone else). This phenomenon is realized in the fascinating and, in my opinion, deplorable theory of American exceptionalism.
American exceptionalism is not to be confused with national pride or patriotism. Pride in one’s country is admirable, but a national superiority complex is something all together different.
American exceptionalism is the theory that the United States is inherently different (and in most cases, better) than other nations.
There is some truth to this theory. Of course America is different from foreign nations -- no two countries are exactly alike. The problem stems from the opinion that Americans are better because they are American.
Our national belief in American exceptionalism is exemplified in many aspects of the United States. Education and our country’s stance on foreign language is one such aspect.
In 2012 Forbes Magazine said America’s schools suffer from a “foreign language deficit.” Unlike many other parts of the world, the U.S. does not require its students to learn a second language. Consequently, most Americans can only speak English, while most Europeans speak more than one language. In a 2010, the U.S. Secretary of Education said 18 percent of Americans reported speaking another language in addition to English. Meanwhile, 53 percent of Europeans claim they can converse in a second language. The percentage of Europeans that can speak three languages is higher than the percentage of Americans who can speak two.
It’s not hard to figure out why Americans suck so much at foreign languages. We can only speak English because foreign languages are not a priority in the American education system. Only 10 of our 50 states require foreign language studies in high school. Foreign language classes are offered in even smaller numbers when it comes to the country’s primary and middle schools. About 19 percent of all U.S. public school students are enrolled in foreign languages classes.
The majority of students who do study a foreign language will likely take one to two courses in high school. In my high school, most students were required to complete two foreign language courses (one could choose Spanish, French, or Latin). Looking back, two basic language classes are about enough for a student to learn to count to 10 and ask for the nearest restroom in a foreign tongue.
Schools in the United States need to prioritize foreign languages much earlier in their students' educations. Learning a second language at a young age is far more effective than trying to comprehend one as a teenager in high school. We don’t necessarily need to institute a nation-wide requirement among elementary schools, but foreign language courses should definitely be offered in more of them.
In most European schools, students begin their required foreign language component between the ages of 6 and 9. Other European children start at age 3. Why? Because they recognize the value of international communication and understanding.
Besides the ability to communicate with more people and make America appear less narcissistic, learning a foreign language has many benefits. For one, speaking a second language does wonders for your brain. Studies show bilingual individuals exhibit better cognitive function and quicker brain development. Knowledge of a second language can also delay dementia.
Being fluent in a second language opens doors to countless career opportunities. Often, those who can converse in English and another widely-spoken language find careers in the international job market. If you like to travel, a second language is a must. When traveling in countries where the majority speaks something other than English, knowing the native tongue will only enrich your experiences.
If you've already graduated high school, its not too late to learn. Most universities offer basic language courses, and I have heard successful stories about programs like Rosetta Stone. Keep in mind, the older you get, the more difficult it will be to learn a new language.
Parents -- if your child's primary school does not offer foreign language education, consider enrolling them in private language classes. Chances are they will prove more useful than the skills gained in pee wee baseball or piano lessons.
Forbes: "America's Foreign Language Deficit"
