Studying a second or foreign language for at least a year is compulsory in over 20 European countries. As per a report from Eurostat, Directorate-General of the European Commission,
Students begin studying the second language as a compulsory school subject between the age of 6 and 9 in many European countries.
Studying a second language should be compulsory
The benefits of learning a second language or foreign language are infinite. They include improved memory, enhanced communication skills, better relationships and improved multi-tasking ability. Apart from this, the job market is much stronger for individuals who speak other languages, particularly English, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese, overseas education consultants in Delhi can tell you.
Nowadays, in many schools, language-learning has been replaced by vocational courses. This is because many people claim that learning computer languages is the same as learning foreign languages but the cultural matrix required for learning a human language makes them quite unlike computer languages, which are syntax supplemented by growth in knowledge within a narrow domain.
Administrators must make the second language mandatory for overseas education and re-consider its benefits, including:
Better understanding
Learning a second language opens a doorway into people’s psyche. It induces reflection both on how you think and communicate and how others think.
Better connections
When you speak to people in their native language, you deepen understanding and connection with them.
More career opportunities
Knowing a second language broadens career options. Many jobs in education, translation healthcare, national security, social work and tourism sectors need candidates who are bilingual or those who can speak a second language. Speaking a foreign language can make it easier to be eligible for internships and work-study programs in other countries.
Improved memory
Learning a language gives your memory a good work out. Bilingual and multi-lingual people have brains that are more exercised and function better.
Enhanced cognitive skills
Learning a new language helps develop cognitive skills, such as mental flexibility, multi-tasking, decision-making, problem-solving and better concept formation.
Improved first language
By learning a second language, your mother tongue can also improve. This happens because as you learn a second language, your knowledge of grammar improves and linguistic awareness then transfers back to the first language.
Cons of learning a foreign language
Students might have to face some challenges while learning a new language.
Expensive affair
Learning a foreign language can be an expensive affair, especially when you take private coaching.
Not well-trained tutors
Chances are there that you might end up learning a new language from a tutor who lacks teaching skills, motivation and prior experience in teaching a foreign language.
It may take more time
Learning a foreign language takes a lot of time. The older you grow, the harder it becomes for you to learn a new language.
Problems with Foreign Language Education
Foreign language education refers to the process of acquiring a second or foreign language.
At present, there are three issues in foreign language education, including the use of technology, the role of affect and the role of metacognition. These three key areas can deter, as well as influence, the way teachers teach and students learn foreign languages.
Use of technology: The use of technology has become an important part of the language learning process both in and out of the class. Nowadays every language class uses some form of technology. Effective use of technology improves language learning. Technology is continuously growing in importance as a tool to help teachers facilitate language learning for their students.
Role of affect: Attention to affect can improve foreign language teaching and learning.
Role of Metacognition: Metacognition can be defined as thinking about thinking. The use of metacognitive strategies ignites a student’s thinking and can lead to profound learning and improved performance. Understanding and controlling cognitive processes may be one of the most essential skills that teachers can help foreign language learners develop. They must teach metacognitive skills in addition to cognitive skills to their students.
Language Programs in Ireland
The international students who are planning to study in Ireland and acquiring an extra language have a chance to work in exotic locations. Having an extra language, along with a quality education in Ireland, will look great on students’ CVs and broaden their career options.
There are plenty of languages to master by taking language courses in Ireland. Whether students want to tackle traditional Irish, perfect their English grammar or study another country’s mother tongue, there are many colleges and universities in Ireland waiting to list their name on their roll calls.
More than 153 language courses are offered by the top 12 institutions of Ireland. The University of Limerick is the best university in Ireland, which offers four language courses.
The country offers intensive language learning. The list includes hundreds of language courses, including English, German, French, Spanish Polish, Russian, Gaeilge, Irish, Swedish, Norwegian, Swiss, etc. To know about the best universities that offer language courses at an affordable price, students can contact overseas education consultants in Pune who are available 24/7 to address their queries.
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