I have heard that a child/teenager will be smarter if they learn a second language and it is good/healthy for them, and useful (of course).
How many languages on average should a teenager be learning? I am learning about 3...
2007-10-13 23:22:07 · 12 answers · asked by m.n.m 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
At least two foreign languages. Major in one and have some notions of a third or more languages. And yes I agree, my children speak 3 languages and people also comment on what are great command of vocabulary they have. They are not above average academically but I am so proud of them!
2007-10-13 23:46:15 · answer #1 · answered by Pacito 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Smarter, maybe. More educated, definitely.
I personally am learning three foreign languages right now, but that doesn't mean I am going to necessarily notice some huge pique in my overall aptitude. It really boils down to how functional it is. If someone plans on using the languages in some way, then the more the better. if it's out of fun, that's also good. The misconception would be that learning them will make you smarter. In the same way, I could read every classic piece of English literature, but it wouldn't automatically mean that I am smarter, just more well-read.
I hope that makes sense!
2007-10-14 00:32:52 · answer #2 · answered by Jonny aus den USA 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The average teenager knows:
ONE: his native.
And most of the time, only the spoken part. Writing is not mastered, normally.
Let's face it. Foreign language classes are not generatin good speakers. Most of them will need a lot of work after those classes in order to be able to have a ten minute conversation with a native of that foreign language.
If you are learning three languages, good for you. Just make sure you are really learning.
2007-10-14 01:27:05 · answer #3 · answered by kamelåså 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I had to study French for 6 years, Latin (ancient) for 3 years, and Spanish for 4 years (still currently studying Spanish).
I chose Spanish because I already understand it so it's just a matter of speaking more fluently.
I think teenagers should know their own language COMPLETELY (I shudder at the lack of coherent speech I see on Y!Answers) and one other language in quite some detail.
2007-10-14 05:37:20 · answer #4 · answered by Miss Revenge 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
about 2 for Americans. English and a foreign language learned in school.
2007-10-14 00:16:41 · answer #5 · answered by pink&black 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that they should at least know two. the earlier in live you have a chance to learn a language the easier it is for you. It is so nice to speak more than one language and be able to speak with much more people.
2007-10-14 01:25:33 · answer #6 · answered by kai 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm 20 and I do know 3 properly. When I was 16 I was doing 6: two natives, English, German, French and Latin. But I guess It was too much lol Now I have a very basic German, a basic French and the other three.
2007-10-14 00:00:49 · answer #7 · answered by Ro_idler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IMHO two languages should be good, though three is ideal, and I think that the greatest benefit comes from learning languages from vastly different cultural/continental roots, like English, Japanese and French.
2007-10-13 23:56:57 · answer #8 · answered by Warlock 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would depend on their aptitude for languages or how interested they are.to learn more than one. I think the more languages to be learned the better especially the popular and dominant languages spoken internationally.
2007-10-14 00:50:50 · answer #9 · answered by Lance 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Average should be at least one. Two is probably more like the desired average, and 3 is pretty damn good if you ask me.
2007-10-13 23:27:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋