Should Americans need to learn multiple languages?

Question

I really dont see how i would need to, but at a college seminar yesterday this speaker was stressing the importance of how americans should learn other languages. What do you think?

Answer 1

Of course ! That is as clear as the light of day.
The USA are not anymore the center of the universe. Now with globalization, other languages are also important, among other reasons.
In south Florida you need to speak Spanish to get a job

Answer 2

I think they could do with learning at least one other language. Whay should the rest of the world learn English if the English speakers aren't prepared to learn other languages? I think it's an insult when someone goes to another country and doesn't make the slightest effort to learn the language of that country. Language, culture and history are so intricately connected.
I'm half Swedish, half English and have also learned French, German, Italian and a little bit each of Portuguese, Russian and Arabic. I find people are so much more receptive and really appreciate it when I at least try to speak to them in their native language.

Answer 3

I'm an American who studied German in high school and college. Even though I lived in Germany for a year in high school, the language has been almost of no value to my career.

I do think that Americans should learn Spanish. Globally, Spanish is a rival to English as an international language. I wish I'd studied Spanish in school. If you speak those two languages, you could travel most of the world very easily.

Additionally, I think any American that lives in another country for an extended time should learn to speak that language, not just expect people to speak English. And to the same point, I think imigrants living in the US should have to learn to speak English, even those who seem to be able to get by just speaking Spanish.

Answer 4

I think it's very important when looking for a job. People would love to hire someone who can speak more than one language. And it's also a nice thing to have when traveling. And other countries are learning english so why shouldn't we learn other languages?

*And the national language isn't english. There is none as of now anyway.

Answer 5

Should Americans be required to learn multiple launguages? Absolutely!

Not only does it broaden your knowledge of the world, it also gives you insights into our own language. Thanks to my language studies, I learned about other countries and cultures -- but I also learned alot of vocab that helps me in English. We have many words that are brought in from other languages, and often a Latin base can help you figure out the meaning of an English word that you don't already know.

Additionally, we are a Global world and economy now ... speaking (or at least being familiar with) more than your native language is becoming more the norm and makes you more versatile and competitive.

Finally -- many foreign countries require 7+ years of English language training in addition to their own native language ... and that's not even counting the 3rd language they learn if attending University. The less we embrace foreign languages, the more ignorant we seem.

Answer 6

Yes, especially if you intend to travel abroad. Nothing advances the idea of "the ugly American" like American citizens who go to other countries and expect the residents to speak English to them. You'll be treated much better by people in other countries if you make an attempt to learn the language and speak to them in their native tongue. Learning another language is also a good idea if you work for a company that does a lot of business overseas. Speaking to someone in their own language is a sign of respect, and respect goes a long way to fostering good business relationships (especially with the Japanese -- their entire society is structured around the idea of respect).

Answer 7

We don't have the same need to learn other languages that Europeans do. Over a similar geographical area there are many more languages spoken in Europe than in the US. Its good mental exercise, and it doesn't hurt, but the need isn't there.
English is also the language of science and business, so again its not a need.
I do think we need to make English the official language of the US as the new immigrants don't seem to think they need to learn our language and we should instead learn theirs.
That's not right when you consider the huge numbers of previous and future immigrants to whom learning English was a step on the path to becoming "an American".

This question concerns need, not "isn't it nice" or "shouldn't you try when visiting overseas", but need... thats different from courtesy or a phrasebook. Most Americans don't go overseas, they stay here, and they don't want to be told they can't work somewhere because here, in their own country, they don't speak another language.

Answer 8

Being bilingual is a good asset but I don't think Americans should learn multiple language. I am not american but when I was in school our teachers stressed the importance of learning how to read, write and speak in english because it's the language of business.

Personally, I want to learn other languages too, such as mandarin since I have chinese blood. But like what I have said being bilingual/multilingual is a good asset.

Answer 9

Yes, learn as many languages as possible.

It will broaden your job opportunities and your income opportunities. Many companies do business in many countries and the more languages you speak fluently the more attractive your job prospects can be.

I have a friend who was a linguist in college and has been able to travel all over the world and has job opportunities falling at her feet.

Answer 10

It's always nice to be able to speak different languages. Most people do NOT need to learn Literature or art or mathematics. But it's always good to know some of it for self-esteem and general knowledge if no other reason.
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