North Dakota is home to more cultures than many people might think. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, over 31,000 North Dakotans speak a foreign language at home. With such a diverse population of people, knowledge of another language is an important asset. Foreign language classes are an invaluable part of the education system that teach kids about other cultures and prepare them for the workplace.
Foreign language classes teach students about other cultures, making them better world citizens. Learning about the history and customs of another culture not only makes students more knowledgeable about their world, it also helps them to see other people’s perspectives. This builds empathy and tolerance for others, which is essential in every community.
Multilingualism is important in the workplace, and not just for Spanish teachers and translators. It can help police officers to communicate with members of the community, restaurant staff to better serve their customers and health care workers to assist a more diverse community of patients. Having this kind of asset can make a person much more likely to get hired.
Although some people argue that language classes do not teach enough to be useful in the real world, these classes build an important foundation of knowledge that can easily be expanded. Reading books, listening to music and watching TV shows or YouTube videos in another language are simple and fun ways to build on language skills, so they can be used in everyday situations.
The ability to communicate with others is important in diverse communities. Foreign language classes enable kids to communicate with others, connect with different cultures and expand their opportunities in the workplace. These classes build an important foundation of knowledge that can easily be expanded and applied in the real world.
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Grace Larson, 17, is a junior at Century High School, where she is involved in band and student council. She enjoys music, reading and spending time with friends. Grace is the daughter of Don and Julie Larson, members of Capital Electric Cooperative.
