It is seen across many European countries that children as early as three years old are required to learn a second language. Having the skill of knowing multiple languages allows for new perspectives as well as a greater appreciation and understanding for the people and world around.

Some high schools in America require at least two years of a foreign language, but many do not continue after that requirement is met. On top of that, there isn’t much variety in foreign language classes offered in the first place. Most American schools only offer Spanish, French, and one other European language like Italian.

Early language learning increases cognitive benefits and has positive effects on memory and problem-solving. According to research done by Barbara Lust, a developmental psychology and linguistics expert and Sujin Yang, her postdoctoral research associate, the most effective way to learn a second language is by putting children in situations where they are surrounded by it.

Another issue here is the fact that the way highschools in the United States teach language isn’t effective enough to benefit the student for the future. Languages are taught in a manner that almost separates them from the culture they originate from; American language classes don’t connect students to the culture whose language they’re trying to learn, which is half the battle.

“We find that children learning a second language in an immersion setting show an overall success rate of grammatical knowledge similar to English monolinguals,” says Sujin Yang.

They also state that the earlier a child learns that second language, the more likely they are to attain native-like language proficiency. In a research article by Nienke Meulman, it was found that the first few years of life are the easiest time during human development to grasp multiple dialects. Developing these skills at an earlier point in development allows the neurons of the child’s brain to hold onto those abilities later on in life. 

When traveling to another country, there are many times American citizens make little effort to educate themselves about the language or culture before they go. Yet, this country puts so much importance on what it means to be American in society. It’s disrespectful and shows how much privilege this country has. In fact, it has been shown that the public school system in the US prioritizes knowing English to the point where it can become disruptive to English learners. 

Grace Swanton, a fourth year anthropology major at Sonoma State University, said, “ESL learners are pulled out of class to work on their English, even though they speak it fine and can communicate, because it is not their primary language. This causes students to miss out on vital class time and coursework. Although being bilingual is extremely beneficial for kids, our country’s school systems are so messed up and leave children behind.” 

If we start teaching children about the world around them at a younger age, they are going to grow up not only with the skills and benefits of knowing a second or even third language, but with the ability to coexist with the people around them. As humans, we get to pride ourselves in our differences and own ways of thinking and being, but there is a point where it becomes ignorant and harmful.