The United States is a diverse country, which is reflected in the wide range of languages taught in schools and universities. While French, German, and Spanish have traditionally been the most common, more students are now learning languages like Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Russian. Despite the stereotype that Americans are monolingual, many students embrace language learning during their university years, and even senior citizens participate in language programs. Learning a new language is not only beneficial for cultural interaction but also for cognitive health, with studies linking it to improved brain function and delayed onset of Alzheimer’s. While some believe language learning is difficult and reserved for the academically gifted, modern communicative teaching methods have made it accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort.
Most Common Languages Taught in US Schools
Not only do languages present incredible opportunities for travel, they also open countless doors for you when it comes to work. Learning another language also helps us understand so much more about other countries, their cultures, and their people. So, what languages are taught in American schools today? Let's take a look:
Spanish
Approximately 41 million individuals in the United States speak Spanish as their first language. In addition, the study of Spanish as a foreign language is popular among college students and is indeed a common choice for high school languages. In addition, according to Duolingo, Spanish is the most popular language for people to study in America.
So, why should you study Spanish? In addition to being an official language in 20 countries, Spanish is also spoken as an informal language in several other countries. Therefore, Spanish is essential for America's relations with its neighbors and improved communication with Spanish speakers currently in the country.
Approximately 13% of the US population, or over 41 million people age five or older, speak Spanish at home, making it the most common non-English language spoken in the country.
Healthcare, transportation, economics, and trade, to mention a few, are all in jeopardy without a basic grasp of Spanish. In addition, of course, given today's political atmosphere, knowing Spanish allows you to see things from a different perspective and assist people in need.
Given Mexico's proximity to the US's southern border, it's no surprise that more than half of college students choose Spanish as the foreign language they choose to learn. While Spanish speakers have many dialects and geographical variances, mastering the tongue may help tourists interact across Mexico, Spain, and Argentina.
French
A little more than a million individuals in North America speak French, and many more who desire to learn. French ranks approximately sixth among the world's most commonly spoken languages. It continues to be a favorite choice for language students in both schools and universities in the United States.
Why should you study French? First, there are around 2 billion French speakers worldwide, so you'll have somebody to converse with!
Second, French is the primary language of NATO and the United Nations.
French is also regarded as one of the most dynamic and elegant languages globally, implying that a world of poetry and movies awaits you as soon as you comprehend the language!
Finally, French has become one of the most significant languages globally, regardless of how you use it. Like many others throughout the World, Americans see French as a romantic and beautiful language. However, communication in French is also linked to culture and social status.
Approximately 13% of students across the United States choose French as their primary foreign language even though there are relatively few French enclaves in the United States. Paris remains one of the most popular and ideal destinations for Americans seeking to spend their vacations abroad.
German
German is the most commonly spoken language in Europe, owing to Germany's continued economic dominance. As a result, German is an essential language to learn whether you conduct business in Europe or want to do business globally. Moreover, it's a pleasant language to learn since words have ends that give them distinct meanings. It is, nonetheless, a surprisingly simple language to learn.
German is the third most spoken language in 16 states, after English and Spanish. Around 1.06 million people in the US speak German at home.
Korean
With a combined population of roughly 73 million people, North and South Korea speak Korean as their official language. Korean is also spoken in Central Asia, Japan, China, and the United States, with 1.7 million Korean Americans.
In addition, 1.1 million people were born outside of the United States, and more than half of them have a weak command of the English language. Another incentive to learn Korean has to do with worldwide security concerns. With its communist rule and nuclear threat, North Korea is one of the world's most volatile regions. As a result, Korean is a must-know language for anybody concerned about the region's diplomatic ties and global security.
Chinese
Mandarin is becoming more popular as a foreign tongue in the United States. If you want to practice with someone, go to Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco, which are home to the bulk of America's three million Chinese speakers, both Mandarin and Cantonese. Here are several compelling reasons to study Mandarin.
First, the Chinese economy and its global power are steadily increasing; what better incentive to learn Mandarin than to plan for a future in which commerce and business are conducted more often with China?
Mandarin is one of the most widely spoken languages on the internet, with over a billion speakers worldwide; You have many people to talk to! Finally, because Mandarin is tonal and does not employ an alphabet, it is challenging for individuals who speak European languages like English.
American Sign Language
There are various advantages to studying American sign language at a young age. ASL is primarily used by deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans and Canadians.
ASL or American Sign Language is among America's most extensively spoken languages and the fourth most often studied second language in American colleges. At least 35 states have designated ASL as a contemporary language for school systems, and ASL programs are available at dozens of colleges and institutions around the US.
In the United States and Canada, there are between 250,000 and 500,000 ASL users, most of whom use ASL as their primary language.
ASL is also used by the following:
- Hearing children with parents who are deaf
- Hearing relatives of people who are deaf
- People with some hearing impairments are learning sign language from other people who are deaf
- Hearing, second-language students who are learning American sign language in classrooms
You can converse with many hearing-impaired people if you know ASL. This applies to students in standard and deaf college/university programs, as well as deaf or hard of hearing citizens and business people in your neighborhood. Furthermore, ASL enhances family interaction for hearing people with deaf or hard-of-hearing relatives.
Italian
From Boston's North End to San Francisco's North Beach, there are sizable Italian populations throughout the United States. As a result, everyday American life is linked with Italian culture (especially Italian-American culture).
For example, while the pizza from a local business in a tiny city in the United States differs significantly from what is available in Naples, the culinary product has become as American as apple pie.
Italian, is seen as a romantic language, and Italy continues to be a popular tourist destination. A large number of Americans have also sprung from Italian immigrants. Nevertheless, there are several reasons for Americans to learn the lovely language.
Latin
Latin, though considered a "dead" language, remains widely studied in the U.S., especially in classical studies, law, medicine, and theology. Its influence is deeply embedded in English vocabulary, making it beneficial for students who want to improve their linguistic and analytical skills.
Many schools and universities offer Latin courses to enhance understanding of Romance languages like Spanish, French, and Italian. Learning Latin also provides insight into historical texts, philosophy, and legal terminology, making it a valuable academic pursuit.
Japanese
With Japan being a major global economic and technological power, Japanese has gained popularity among students in the U.S. Learning Japanese is beneficial for careers in business, technology, and international relations. Many students are drawn to the language through Japanese pop culture, including anime, manga, and J-pop.
Despite its complex writing system—hiragana, katakana, and kanji—Japanese remains an exciting and rewarding language to study. Universities and language institutes offer immersive programs, cultural exchanges, and study-abroad opportunities to help learners gain fluency.
Russian
Russian, one of the most spoken languages in the world, has been taught in the U.S. since the Cold War era and continues to be relevant in politics, diplomacy, and security studies. With Russia's role in international affairs, learning Russian can open career opportunities in government, intelligence, and global business. Russian grammar and Cyrillic script pose challenges, but many students find the language rewarding, especially those interested in Russian literature, history, and culture. Universities and cultural organizations in the U.S. offer Russian language programs and scholarships to encourage learning.
What Are the Benefits of Learning a New Language?
One way to motivate yourself in your language-learning journey is to realize the benefits you'll come to enjoy as a result of the hard work you put in. Keeping these in mind will help you remain consistent with your practice in the long run. Let's take a look at some of the many benefits:
Job Opportunities
With the rise of globalism, most vocations and jobs need proficiency in at least one, if not two or three, different languages. An interview at a company may be conducted in a language different from your own. Learning a new language enables you to stand out among other candidates with similar resumes.
In the US, multilingual speakers have a wide array of job opportunities, with high demand in fields like customer service, translation, interpretation, human resources, and social work, as well as in industries like hospitality and journalism.
With the ability to speak multiple languages, you can easily land a job in several industrial sectors, including agriculture, finance, tourism, healthcare, entertainment, and education. For example, let's say you speak English but are fluent in Spanish. Then, you can easily land a job at any Spanish international firm located in America or any Mexican Embassy situated in the United States.
Cultural Awareness
Learning a second language may lead to discovering new nations, cuisines, social ties, and much more! You probably aren't aware of it, but making contact with a foreign culture significantly impacts you.
You create an "intercultural know-how" that few individuals have and of which you may be proud by developing a new connection with the globe. Language study may promote tolerance, open-mindedness, and understanding – all of which are important in today's more globalized society! After learning a new language, you get the chance to explore new cultures and traditions that also make you appreciate your own.
Improved Decision Making Skills
According to several psychological studies, people who think in or speak a foreign tongue make more sensible conclusions. For example, we restrict risk-taking because we want to avoid things that might damage us, even when the odds are in our favor.
However, University of Chicago researchers discovered that pondering in a different language generates a barrier that leads to more considered judgments less influenced by our emotions. Learning a new language can improve brain activity and help you make better decisions!
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