Why is it important to study a language?

Administrative reasons:

• For some of the 4-year campuses (Madison, e.g.), a year of college language[1] is a transfer prerequisite, that is, it must be completed before transfer admission will be considered.
• On many other campuses, at least one year of college language is a requirement for graduation.
• If language is not a general requirement for graduation, it is often a requirement within a given major. At some of the 4-year campuses, a student may be admitted to the school without the language requirement fulfilled but not admitted to her or his intended major program until it is completed.

In all the above circumstances, students can fulfill the language requirements at a much lower cost at the UW-Colleges.

Educational and Practical reasons:

Here is one list of reasons for learning a foreign language. It is certainly not exhaustive. [adapted from the website http://www.vistawide.com/languages/why_languages8-10.htm]

• To increase global understanding

· To improve employment potential

• To increase native language ability[2]
• To sharpen cognitive and life skills

· To improve chances of entry into college or graduate school

• To appreciate international literature, music, and film
• To make travel more feasible and enjoyable

· To expand study abroad options

· To increase understanding of oneself and one's own culture

· To make lifelong friends

Here are some of the professions/jobs which may be more available to those who speak a second language: [adapted from the website: http://www.uni.edu/modlangs/main/WhyStudyLang.shtml]

Business and finance: accountant, administration, human resources director, economist, stockbroker, import-export agent
Communications: journalist, publisher, editor, interpreter, public relations, film producer or director, sports agent

Social services: social worker, probation officer, criminology and law enforcement, school counselor, drug abuse counselor, occupational health care, income maintenance counselor
Science and Technology: Engineer, chemist, physicist, anthropologist, archaeologist, geologist, biologist, oceanographer
Education: library science, elementary, secondary, and college level teaching in the US and abroad
Government: translator, interpreter, law enforcement, diplomatic foreign service, customs official, legal advisor

Other jobs include: Advertising Copywriter, Book reviewer, Columnist/ Commentator, Passenger Service Staff, Public Relations Representative, Radio Announcer, Production Manager, Technical Writer, Bilingual Educator, Peace Corps Volunteer, Researcher, World Bank, FBI Agent, State Department or Foreign Service, and Exchange Program Coordinator.

The World Languages Department strongly encourages all advisors to promote language study among all students.

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[1] Or two years in high school

[2] “Research shows that knowledge of other languages boosts students' understanding of languages in general and enables students to use their native language more effectively…Foreign language learners have stronger vocabulary skills in English, a better understanding of the language, and improved literacy in general. Higher reading achievement in the native language as well as enhanced listening skills and memory have been shown to correlate with extended foreign language study...With each additional year of foreign language instruction taken, a student's scores on college and graduate school entrance exams such as the SATs, ACTs, GREs, MCATs, and LSATs improve incrementally.” [adapted from the website http://www.vistawide.com/languages/why_languages2-4.htm] Research also indicates that students’ math skills increase with foreign language study.