lobally, language learning is currently seen as a ‘nice to have’ rather than as a compulsory part of the curriculum. Without major shifts in how we perceive the purpose of education, a true education transformation cannot take place. According to the Power Language Index, English is the most powerful language on earth—more than twice as powerful than its closest rival, Mandarin Chinese. What are the implications of this fact? The answer is political, social, environmental, and even philosophical.
The rise of English as a common language has connected us across the globe and made communication and cooperation possible in ways that were inconceivable 100 years ago. English has been viewed as the ‘universal’ language. At the same time, linguists estimate that of the world's approximately 6,900 languages, more than half are in danger of dying out by the end of the 21century, with around 1,500 at particular risk. Languages carry deep cultural knowledge and understanding of how the world works. Diversity of thought, both ideas and approaches, are expressed most accurately in their original language. Dominance of any one language threatens linguistic diversity, and like biodiversity, our ability to thrive as a species depends on our ability to access and apply all knowledge to the pressing issues of our times. In this sense, a truly equitable, future-forward education system must also be a multilingual system that allows all mother tongues to flourish. For these reasons, it is essential that learning a second language be a key part of a new education story.
“Transformation begins with values and mindsets and changes the purpose of the system.”
– from the Salzburg Statement for Education Transformation.
One cannot speak about education transformation without acknowledging the interconnectedness of today’s world. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the interdependency of our universe. As we look ahead at transforming our education systems, we must think globally and holistically—not about specific contexts in vacuums. In an increasingly global economy, fluency in a second language not only benefits the individual, but also enhances their cultural competence. The study of language and culture can foster understanding across borders and cultures and bring youth from across the world together in a way that no other activity can. In our increasingly interconnected world, students and educators are seeking more nuanced views of other peoples and cultures as well as connections with peers that offer a deeper and more meaningful understanding that goes beyond news headlines or sound bites.
Research shows that foreign language study in the early elementary years improves cognitive abilities, positively influences achievement in other disciplines, and results in higher achievement test scores in reading and math. In addition, the study of another language deepens our understanding of our own language and fosters an appreciation for the challenge of learning a language. Tolerating foreign accents and empathizing with the lived experience of immigrants are increasingly important mindsets for today’s globalized world and are essential if we are to build a peaceful one. Early language learning can teach young people to love difference well before they learn to fear it. Yet, learning additional languages is not compulsory globally and where it is required, it is for older ages and grades. To truly transform education systems, every child should be able to learn an additional language before the age of five. Research shows that children who learn another language before age five use the same part of the brain to acquire that language that they use to learn their own mother tongue. In addition, the length of time a student can devote to learning a language also allows them to have a deeper connection to a different culture as they mature.
In a highly globalized world, in which national borders are increasingly permeable and the migration and movement of peoples is becoming the norm, language and cultural competencies are ever more essential. Learning a language, studying about another part of the world, and understanding how to work with peers both in person and virtually, are all essential educational outcomes for today's secondary school graduates. Relationships built on curiosity and collaboration are the building blocks for collective problem solving, particularly when addressing today’s complex global challenges. Language, and the stereotypes that often accompany them, need not be a barrier to global cooperation and a healthy planet. On the contrary, we propose that language learning holds a key to fostering a world of appreciation, cooperation, and progress. Students should grow through their education systems to be able to converse and move in and out of two languages. Imagine what a powerful change in the world that would bring.
a global affairs media network
Transforming Education Requires Transforming Ourselves
Photo by Ryan Wallace via Unsplash.
September 22, 2022
A truly equitable, future-forward education system must also be a multilingual system that allows all mother tongues to flourish. Therefore, it is essential that learning a second language be a key part of a new education story, writes Jennifer Geist and Carine Allaf.
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lobally, language learning is currently seen as a ‘nice to have’ rather than as a compulsory part of the curriculum. Without major shifts in how we perceive the purpose of education, a true education transformation cannot take place. According to the Power Language Index, English is the most powerful language on earth—more than twice as powerful than its closest rival, Mandarin Chinese. What are the implications of this fact? The answer is political, social, environmental, and even philosophical.
The rise of English as a common language has connected us across the globe and made communication and cooperation possible in ways that were inconceivable 100 years ago. English has been viewed as the ‘universal’ language. At the same time, linguists estimate that of the world's approximately 6,900 languages, more than half are in danger of dying out by the end of the 21century, with around 1,500 at particular risk. Languages carry deep cultural knowledge and understanding of how the world works. Diversity of thought, both ideas and approaches, are expressed most accurately in their original language. Dominance of any one language threatens linguistic diversity, and like biodiversity, our ability to thrive as a species depends on our ability to access and apply all knowledge to the pressing issues of our times. In this sense, a truly equitable, future-forward education system must also be a multilingual system that allows all mother tongues to flourish. For these reasons, it is essential that learning a second language be a key part of a new education story.
“Transformation begins with values and mindsets and changes the purpose of the system.”
– from the Salzburg Statement for Education Transformation.
One cannot speak about education transformation without acknowledging the interconnectedness of today’s world. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the interdependency of our universe. As we look ahead at transforming our education systems, we must think globally and holistically—not about specific contexts in vacuums. In an increasingly global economy, fluency in a second language not only benefits the individual, but also enhances their cultural competence. The study of language and culture can foster understanding across borders and cultures and bring youth from across the world together in a way that no other activity can. In our increasingly interconnected world, students and educators are seeking more nuanced views of other peoples and cultures as well as connections with peers that offer a deeper and more meaningful understanding that goes beyond news headlines or sound bites.
Research shows that foreign language study in the early elementary years improves cognitive abilities, positively influences achievement in other disciplines, and results in higher achievement test scores in reading and math. In addition, the study of another language deepens our understanding of our own language and fosters an appreciation for the challenge of learning a language. Tolerating foreign accents and empathizing with the lived experience of immigrants are increasingly important mindsets for today’s globalized world and are essential if we are to build a peaceful one. Early language learning can teach young people to love difference well before they learn to fear it. Yet, learning additional languages is not compulsory globally and where it is required, it is for older ages and grades. To truly transform education systems, every child should be able to learn an additional language before the age of five. Research shows that children who learn another language before age five use the same part of the brain to acquire that language that they use to learn their own mother tongue. In addition, the length of time a student can devote to learning a language also allows them to have a deeper connection to a different culture as they mature.
In a highly globalized world, in which national borders are increasingly permeable and the migration and movement of peoples is becoming the norm, language and cultural competencies are ever more essential. Learning a language, studying about another part of the world, and understanding how to work with peers both in person and virtually, are all essential educational outcomes for today's secondary school graduates. Relationships built on curiosity and collaboration are the building blocks for collective problem solving, particularly when addressing today’s complex global challenges. Language, and the stereotypes that often accompany them, need not be a barrier to global cooperation and a healthy planet. On the contrary, we propose that language learning holds a key to fostering a world of appreciation, cooperation, and progress. Students should grow through their education systems to be able to converse and move in and out of two languages. Imagine what a powerful change in the world that would bring.
