Hello, hola, bonjour! :foreign language education benefits native language grammar, literacy, and more

Abstract

Although there are approximately 6,900 languages spoken around the world, the United States does not have a national foreign language education program established in elementary or secondary schools. Unfortunately, this stems from a lack of money. While there is currently no nation-wide foreign language education program, the reality is that foreign language study can positively affect students, particularly in their native languages. Many studies have shown that if a student studies a foreign language, his or her native language grammar, literacy, language arts achievement scores, and overall cognitive skills will improve. I explore these topics and urge the United States to find money to support these types of incredibly valuable and enriching programs.