Bilingualism in Schools
Sophia Y
Learning a second language can greatly improve people's lives; it helps them and their countries in a very large number of ways. Multilingual people are far more successful in life because the knowledge of a second language opens up a great deal more opportunities (Fotheringham, 2018). Bilingualism is scientifically proven to improve cognitive performance (Brockless, 2017). It can also positively impact how empathetic a person is (Ruiz, 2017). In addition, having more bilinguals can improve the economy (Wagers, 2018). Therefore, learning a second language in Australian schools should be compulsory as it will significantly improve the country and make it a better place for people to live. If this becomes a law,
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This trait would be more common if learning languages was compulsory at school. A group of researchers at the University of Chicago stated that being immersed in a second language is very important for creating a common language, but does not allow a person to converse well with others. In order for a person to be able to understand what another person meant, they must take the perspective of the speaker. By expressing something in more than one language, it helps the audience see things in two slightly different perspectives (Ruiz, 2017). In this quote, the researchers indicate that empathy is where a person does not just listen what someone else said so that they can respond; they pay attention and try to understand what was meant. Multilingualism improves an individual's empathy. Quoting from a Czech proverb, "As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being." When a person wishes to learn a second language, they must start at the very beginning (Ruiz, 2017). If they see another person who struggles with their words in a language that is not their first, they are far more likely to be empathetic. Social media has made people quicker to judge others, less patient and less empathetic (Ruiz, 2017). Since they are not immediately confident in their ability to communicate, a person must slow down and look for understanding. This makes them a great deal less judgemental, more empathetic and more patient. Not only can bilingualism improve how empathetic a person is, but it can also positively impact the economy of