At a Nov 16 2023 national conference organized by the Department of Education, bilingualism was recognized for its profound contribution to the economic and political power toolkits for America.. This event, as a part of the Biden-Harris administration’s initiative to promote multilingual education, brought together experts and policy-makers to discuss the burgeoning role of bilingualism in an increasingly interconnected world.
A key focus of the conference was the cognitive and economic advantages of being bilingual. A study done by Michelle De Pacina on Nextshark showed that bilingual individuals have enhanced abilities in focusing and filtering out distractions. This study also referenced reports from the New American Economy and the Society for Human Resource Management which highlight the surge in demand for bilingual employees in various sectors. This cognitive edge translates into tangible benefits in the workplace, as bilinguals are often more marketable with the increasing demand for bilingual workers. These trends underscore the economic imperative of linguistic diversity and the advantages it brings to individuals and organizations alike. Abdallah El Hamoumi, an ESOL entrepreneur in Boston who ran two schools in his homeland of Morocco, shared stories of his students who got better jobs because they mastered the English language and were bilingual.
“Bilingualism significantly enhances job prospects. For instance, in the hotel industry, bilingualism is very encouraged. My bilingual students often advance faster because they can interact with a diverse clientele. In the TSA field, bilingual skills can mean higher pay. However, a German-speaking nursing student of mine struggled in the U.S. job market, as German isn’t as in-demand as English, Spanish, or Chinese. This demonstrates how market demands can influence the advantages of knowing a particular language and the importance of bilingualism today.”
Being fluent in multiple languages also involves an appreciation of different cultures, which is increasingly important in our globalized world. In an interview with Shinobu Ando, Director of NEXT STEP, a DESE-funded ESOL program in Boston, she emphasized that
“Bilingualism enriches students far beyond the workplace; it fosters global citizenship and cultural empathy. By communicating in multiple languages, students connect with diverse cultures and perspectives, gaining a deeper understanding of people from varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This skill is invaluable in our interconnected world, as it breaks down barriers and nurtures a sense of empathy and global awareness, vital for both personal growth and professional success. This cultural competence is an integral part of the superpower that is bilingualism, enabling individuals to navigate diverse environments and foster more effective communication and collaboration across borders”
Bilingualism is a gateway to broader perspectives and deeper global connections, as highlighted by the experiences of el Hamoumi and Ando. El Hamoumi inspired by a world map at his home, observes, “When you see a map and see where the countries are, it broadens your brain – you become more aware of things around you – it opens up the world to you.” He argues that knowing the language of a country you travel to can transform the experience from just okay to extraordinary. Reflecting on his time in Morocco before returning to America in 2017, he recalls, “Everyone took their children to learn Chinese, because China is an emerging superpower – they want their kids to be ready to do business with the Chinese because the future is in China.” This strategic foresight, coupled with the acknowledgment that “English is the most common language of business and science,” illustrates the practical advantages of being bilingual.
Ando emphasizes a cultural dimension, describing the role of language in understanding global citizenship: “Being able to communicate with more people and understanding different cultures and perspectives, and understanding people who grew up in different cultural and linguistic environments, helps [students] be more understanding global citizens.” This sentiment captures the essence of bilingualism as more than a skill – it’s a bridge to empathy, understanding, and a more interconnected world.
El Hamoumi and Ando’s insights collectively underscore the value of bilingualism in both professional success and fostering a more inclusive, empathetic global community. The US Department of Education’s “Raise the Bar: Lead the World” initiative, which aims to expand bilingual programs, is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of multilingual skills in a diverse workforce. The policy stresses the need for educational systems to adapt and provide robust support for bilingual education, recognizing its role in fostering not only linguistic proficiency but also cultural understanding and global cooperation. The US DOE underscores the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in bilingual education. This involves not only leveraging technology but also ensuring that educational policies and practices are inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of learners.
For best methods to learn language, Michael Horn at Harvard Grad School of Education, advocates for immersion as the most effective approach, likening it to the natural way children acquire language. He explains, “The deeper the immersion, the better the results. Whether it’s living in a country where the language is spoken or engaging in immersive educational settings, these experiences mimic how we naturally acquire language”. Insights from Lynn Tien, the founder of ‘Sing in Chinese’, provides a nuanced perspective. Her background, combining educational insight with innovative technology, has been pivotal in developing a learning tool that not only teaches Mandarin effectively to young children but does so in a manner that captivates and motivates them. In my interview with Tien, she emphasized the varying effectiveness of online learning based on the age and learning style of the student. “Younger students typically have shorter attention spans, which can make online learning less effective for them,” Tien explained. “They benefit more from the interactive and engaging aspects of a physical classroom setting. On the other hand, older students, who generally have better self-discipline and longer attention spans, might find online learning more suitable”.
Online learning as a democratizing force in language education, Horn cautions that while it offers broad accessibility, its effectiveness can be contingent on individual learner characteristics. He notes, These technologies, while helpful, can’t fully replace the depth of learning a language. They often miss cultural nuances and can make errors. So, they should complement, not replace, traditional language learning”. This viewpoint highlights the need for adaptable education strategies to cater to diverse learners.
From the cognitive and economic benefits to strengthening cultural understanding and global competence, bilingualism stands out as a critical skill in the 21st century. The insights from experts like Michael Horn, Shinobu Ando, Abdallah El Hamoumi, and Lynn Tien offer a deeper understanding of the nuances in language learning and the evolving landscape of bilingual education. As the world continues to become more interconnected, the value of being bilingual is not only affirmed but celebrated as a key to unlocking a myriad of opportunities and bridging diverse cultures.
