Persuasive speech about Bilingual Education (5-7min)
Introduction
The recent trends associated with globalization require effective communication skills in order for a person to live comfortably in a given place. This implies the significance of knowing more than one language. For communication to be effective, one must understand and give appropriate feedback to the sender. As such, there is need to know more than one language to overcome the setbacks associated with language misunderstandings. Language is one of the most vital elements of effective communication, as result, it is important not only for a person to perfect his/her natural language, but also have knowledge about second language. Speaking first language only is a great disadvantage with the recent diversification of culture witnessed in the United States. On the other hand, knowing more languages beyond the first language is somewhat a form of culture diversity embracement in the United States. With the United States becoming of the most diverse countries in the world that willingly accepts immigrants, it is important for students to learn a second language other than English (Mantero 85).
Students who know more than one language have reported higher amazing performance in learning compared to monolingual students. Consequently, they have dissimilar and flexible intelligence. The diverse thinking provides the first point of a thought. Generally, they have a wider perception of an idea compared to students who only have knowledge of first language only. This ability makes them understand things differently and better during learning process (Staffan 45).
Bilingual speakers have wider knowledge about a language, a case referred to as metalingualistic awareness. They can recognize and illustrate the features of a language. As such, they know how words work in different languages, thus they can differentiate two languages. At phonological level, they can reveal grammatical mistakes. For a bilingual speaker he must understand how the two different languages work and different from one another. As a result, they have a choice on which language to use. This brings in what is language sensitivity. Bilingual speakers know when and how to use a language to pass information. Consequently, they are receptive to the requests of their respondents (Brown 120).
Being a bilingual speaker is an advantage in career search. The recent career trends can results to postings in places where there are no native speakers; as a result, career aspirants who know more than one language have high chances of being given the job in such situations. There are jobs that require one to master a second language. At workplaces, cashiers can use a second language depending on the customer’s language. A basic fact is that having a resume indicating a person’s ability to speak more than one language puts that person in position to get the job compared to people who can only speak English. This is similar to a translator who needs to know and master at least two languages to work efficiently. Other jobs that need bilingual ability include interpreter, foreign language teacher and waiters working in foreign hotels. Due to its tremendous effect on businesses, it has been allowed in workplaces and some employees have taken into account the issue. When picking those to grant jobs, they consider bilinguals first. An example is Canada whose first move was to give a provision in its constitution (Mantero 89).
In conclusion, a second language is necessary in today’s world of diverse culture, verified by the advantages that outweigh its disadvantages. As such, it should be encouraged in educational institutions and workplaces. It is predictable that literacy level will increase and businesses will expand creating more employment, if it will be considered as modern tool of communication. Generally, having knowledge of second languages is becoming a communication requirement in the present way of lifestyle witnessed in the United States, as evident by the increasing acceptance of immigrants who speak English as a second language or have no prior knowledge of English (Brown 45).
Works Cited
Brown, James. An investigation of second language task-based performance assessments. New York: Natl Foreign Lg Resource Ctr, 2002.
Mantero, Miguel. Identity and second language learning: culture, inquiry, and dialogic activity in educational contexts. New Jersey: IAP, 2007.
Staffan, Anderson. Growing up with two languages: a practical guide. New York: Routledge, 2004.
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