Importance of learning a second language

Importance of learning a second language Spanish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzEjzL6_gyE

Did you know? • 6192 living languages • Mandarin - Most widely spoken language on earth (native speakers - China, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, South, Africa, Taiwan and in Thailand) • English – second (greatest number of non-native speakers) • Spanish – third - Mexico – largest number of Spanish speakers - one of the 6 official languages of the United Nations

Best time to start learning a foreign language as soon as possible • The younger a student the more likely they are to continue in their study of a second / foreign language

Foreign language is not part of standardized test • Studies = foreign language acquisition increases test scores • Functional plasticity of the human brain is driven by language • Knowing a foreign language can add gray matter in the brain which gives more neural connections – enhances mental ability – improves memory – critical thinking skills improve as you learn to view things through a different lens • Bilinguals show a lower decline in mental powers with age – reduces chances of developing dementia and Alzeimer’s disease

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ5Wdc0LTfE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpI1fNSk8m0

http://youtu.be/V8jYJomGTRQ

Spoken in 4 continentsMother tongue of 21 countries

50.5 million (2010 census) USA • The estimated Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2009, making people of Hispanic origin the nation's largest ethnic or race minority. Hispanics constituted 16 percent of the nation's total population. In addition, there are approximately 4 million residents of Puerto Rico, a Carribbean U.S. territory. • 350,000 OH • 55,000 Franklin county • 44,000 Columbus

So, why learn Spanish? • Everywhere in our community • Better career / business opportunities • Communication

Importance of learning a second language