Human brains are built for language. Of all the abilities that our human intelligence grants, language has been the most integral to our success as a species.   According to a study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, brains are best at learning a language between the ages of six and sixteen. In that case, it shouldn’t be detrimental to wait until high school to begin learning a second language. However, that same study later found that waiting until after age ten to begin studying a language ensures that the learning will never reach native fluency. 

   It would be more than beneficial for students to begin taking language classes at a younger age.

   Within the Springfield Scholars Program, I was able to begin taking French in seventh grade. This gave me a much-needed head start on the language and by the time I was in my freshman year of high school, I was already in French III. 

   Because our schedule allows for only four classes a quarter, it makes it easier for students to progress in language classes, but this is only super helpful  in Spanish classes. Our lack of representation of languages that aren’t Spanish hinders the success that students might otherwise have in the field of foreign language. Advanced French students have no choice but to be in combined classes with those one, or even two years behind them due to this.

   Before age ten is the most optimal time to begin learning a language, and in many countries with diverse language representation, this situation is capitalized on. In most European schools foreign language is initially taught as early as age six. This sets students up for greater success not only academically, but in the real world as well. 

   The United States’  primary education system undoubtedly has room to teach us language from an earlier age, especially in regions with more diverse languages. This skill prepares students to be contributing members of our world-wide community and is an integral part of cultural understanding and acceptance. Our younger selves would no doubt say “gracias” if we had started studying a second language earlier.