Freedom of speech
Should foreign language classes be required?

By Casey Jones
Sissonville High School

These days, most students wishing to attend college are required to have taken and passed at least two foreign language classes in high school. Signing up for these classes can be annoying because students sometimes have trouble fitting them into schedules. But, as with other important electives like computer applications and accounting, foreign language classes teach a valuable skill.

How do students feel about the requirement, though? Do they think knowing a foreign language is a necessary life skill?

“If students actually believe that learning a second language is an important skill, then, by all means, they should take one, but I don’t think that students should be forced to,” said Ashley Johnson, a junior at Sissonville High School, where a minimum of two foreign language classes is required for graduation.

Also, as more immigrants come to America, the need to know and be able to fluently speak other languages increases.

“I don’t think that it should be required, but it would be a good idea to have these classes because I think in the future everyone will eventually need to know a second language so that they will be able to communicate with each other,” said junior Heather Burford.

Senior Allen Burford agreed. “I think that [the classes] are a very good idea because you have a lot better chance to get a job if you are multilingual,” he said.

These classes do not just focus on learning the language, though. They also teach the heritage and culture of foreign nations.

“At Sissonville, I believe that it is very important because of our strong interests in international studies,” said French and Spanish teacher Robin Peck. (Sissonville is an international studies magnet school.)

“I also believe that it is important to learn the heritage and cultures of other countries and civilizations because it helps when doing business and conducting trade between these nations by being accustomed to their methods.”

Sophomore Cheyenne Gill also supports learning about foreign cultures. “I think that it is very important because it helps students decide how we want to live our lives when we get older. And it helps us to appreciate other people and their cultures.”

In the end, is there really a definite answer to this question? Should all students be required to learn a foreign language, or should English be converted to a universal language?

“I don’t necessarily believe that English should be converted into a universal language,” said Emily Carpenter, a Sissonville sophomore.

“I don’t think it is fair that other countries around the world are forced to learn English, and we actually have the choice of learning a second language,” she continued. “But I do think if they want to do business with or come to America, then they need to know English and vice versa.”

Junior Daniel Jones disagrees.

“I really don’t see why English shouldn’t be converted to a universal language because a lot of people speak English worldwide,” he said. “America is one of the leading counties in the world, too, so I think that everyone who associates with America should learn the language.”