Language proficiency

Interest in mastering multiple languages often relates to economic or political changes. A report by the U.S.A. Academy of Arts and Sciences warned that university students' interest in languages other than English has declined. Current estimates are that while 300 to 400 million Chinese students study English and approximately two-thirds of Europeans are fluent in more than one language, only 200,000 of K-12 U.S.A. students are studying Chinese and only 20% of Americans know a language other than English. Language acquisition is important for a variety of reasons, including the fact that many workplaces seek staff who speak multiple languages.

Princeton University recently updated its general education requirements, adding the study of a new language, regardless of of students' proficiency in another language upon entry. In reviewing Princeton's commitment, Liz Reisberg indicated, "...language isn't something to cross off a list or requirements, much as other universities have allowed students to do by testing out, but rather a deep dive into culture and communication."

Acquiring multiple languages is easiest when students are young which reinforces the need for K-12 and post-secondary educators to work together. In addition, the complacency of many U.S.A. citizens is the result of the dominance of English as the travel language most often spoken throughout the world. Nevertheless, the likelihood of increased trade and governmental negotiations, even during isolationist political times, will require Americans to have proficiency in multiple languages.