“Benefits of Language Learning” graphic was created by Modern Language Association (www.mla.org). A larger version can be viewed here.
December is such a hectic month. Holiday preparations, end-of-year tasks, school breaks…the list of December do-ings can be overwhelming. So, it might seem a bit odd and even absurd to add “learn a new language” to everything you’re trying to accomplish during the last month of the year. Be that as it may, the world calendar gurus have decided that December is officially “Learn a New Language Month”. Let’s see why devoting a month to expanding our linguistic abilities might not be such a wild idea, and what RPL has to offer you to help you achieve this goal.
According to census.gov, only about 20% of Americans are bilingual, meaning that they speak a language in addition to English (including American Sign Language). While progress has been made in introducing beginning Spanish in the primary grades, without regular practice, these students will likely forget their foreign language instruction. Because secondary school curricula are constantly being updated, many high schoolers are offered foreign languages only as electives.
English replaced French as the “lengua franca” of the modern world after World War II. While French is still the language of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and other world organizations, English has become the language of business, technology, education and the arts. However, with the recent rise of the other global powers, the prevalence of English may be short-lived. Time to think about expanding your language horizons!
More compelling reasons to become bilingual:
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Studying a new language increases brain function. Learning a new language is good for everyone, especially folks over 60. Studies have shown that cognitive abilities improve in subjects who learn a new language.
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While we’re talking about the brain, another study has found that language learning may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s for several years. For those who have concerns about this debilitating illness, expanding their language skills may provide more meaningful years at life’s end.
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The demand for bilingual employees has exploded—there are simply not enough bilingual employees for America’s banks, hospitals and customer service departments. Bilingual employees have the potential to earn significantly higher salaries throughout their careers, and the second language is not only Spanish. French, Chinese and Arabic speakers are also very high in demand
If you choose to take on this December challenge, RPL has several very useful online learning options. With all the other drama swirling around you this month, it might be a good idea to immerse yourself in a new way to communicate. So many languages to learn, so little time!
Start your new language learning at https://rvalibrary.org/services/
Select Online Resources, then Learning & Research. Programs are in alphabetical order.
Brainfuse–Library of Virginia
Live online language tutors and practice with the Vocabulary Builder.
Learning Express–Ebsco
For more advanced learners. Practice lessons for AP and CLEP exams, as well as a dedicated course for Spanish for Nurses.
Lingo Pie
Great way to begin learning a new language without books. Television programs, cartoons, music and more to get you started on your new language journey!
Transparent Language Online
Roll up your sleeves and get serious with this comprehensive program! Vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension—Transparent has it all for hundreds of languages plus dialects!
World Book Enciclopedia Estudiantil (Spanish only)
Short, elementary-level articles with beautiful images. In addition, free access to Spanish-language newspapers from around the world.
