Even though the US regards itself as the world's melting pot, it has very low levels of proficiency in learning a second language. Most students usually study just English, or learn a second language at a stage when gaining true proficiency becomes too late.
The importance and advantages of learning a second language is continuing to increase day by day. For example, the inflow of immigrants of Hispanic origins into the US has resulted in creating a great need for Spanish translators and interpreters. Likewise in a number of other languages.
However, the importance of learning a second language is not merely limited to the ability of communicating with people who speak different languages. According to studies, it has been shown that learning a second language results in students achieving greater divergent thinking, creativity, and cognitive development compared to monolingual children. A number of studies have also shown that when students learn a second language they have a tendency of outscoring those who a re proficient in only a single language on tests of nonverbal and verbal intelligence.
Still other studies have shown that the academic skills of students learning a second language are enhanced by in improving their abilities in mathematics, writing, and reading.
Plus, when people learn a second language, they become a valuable asset to the community in which the work and live. Apart from the requirement of translators and interpreters, there are an increasing number of jobs where people are