BILINGUAL: Learning a second language benefits students in multiple ways.
By Amy Wang, Staff Writer
Bibb County’s superintendent Romain Dallemand is bringing big changes to public schools in Macon, Georgia. One of these changes is the addition of Mandarin Chinese to the curriculum for all grades, preschool to twelfth. With China as a big player in the current economy, Dallemand believes that Mandarin is a language of the future that students today will surely benefit from learning. He plans to start off in the lower grades with several sessions a week and, in three years’ time, will incorporate it into all grades. Many of the parents resent this decision; some wish Spanish were offered instead, while others believe providing a second language to these students is a waste of time in general. Dallemand is unrelenting though, and insists Mandarin will benefit these students in the long run.
The question is not about Mandarin itself, but whether a mandatory language should be established in schools to begin with. A second language is a valuable asset to any person in today’s world, and every student should be required to learn one.
Being bilingual has proved beneficial. Cognitive neuroscientist Ellen Bialystok conducted studies that showed bilinguals develop Alzheimer’s around five years later than monolinguals. Bilinguals also have a way of thinking that differs completely from that of monolinguals, shown through neuroimaging of the differing brain as they solve problems. When approaching the problem, their brain takes a different “route” than monolinguals’ brains do.
Knowing a second language can serve as an advantage in the workforce. Businesses often seek bilingual workers who can interact in foreign exchanges themselves. Knowing two languages can help you get a job, as it is helpful in practically all careers.
Bialystok reminds people that “you have to use both languages all the time. You won’t get the bilingual benefit from occasional use.” Two years of a foreign language – or even three – are not enough for a student to become bilingual. The learning process should be incorporated into education much earlier to have a stronger effect.
Research shows that younger children, particularly babies up to the age of seven, can pick up on languages quickly and easily. They are able to distinguish different languages’ unique set of sounds more easily than adults can, but this ability starts weakening before they can even begin speaking. After a child reaches puberty, his or her ability to learn languages declines markedly.
Those who oppose Dallemand’s mandate of Mandarin are either displeased with their children’s lack of choice or they find the change completely unnecessary and unrealistic. They refuse to believe their children will ever really need it in their futures, not to mention the fact that there are other things to spend school money on, such as arts and sports programs.
But that does not mean all schools have to make Mandarin the mandatory second language; there are other options available, such as Spanish. Learning a second language is never harmful towards anyone’s education, and provides many opportunities. And although there is always the financial concern, as the saying goes, “you have to give to get.” Dallemand is able to afford his teachers at just $16,000 per instructor per year (less than half of any teacher of any grade level) because Beijing is trying to spread Mandarin and has institutes in the States.
Schools in some European countries start teaching English at elementary grade levels, and then go on to provide a different language – such as French or Spanish – during high school. Now, those select schools in Macon, Georgia will benefit from the early incorporation of a second language as well.
Although the educational system cannot ensure that a student will become bilingual, it does not hurt to provide lessons for a second language at an early age. The longer it is taught, the more it will stick.
The case of mandatory Mandarin in Macon, Georgia schools reopens the topic of making learning foreign language mandatory in schools. This policy will benefit our students and, in turn, our future.