Language Learning In University: How Many Students?

Language education is a vital part of a student's curriculum, with many countries mandating the study of at least one foreign language. However, the number of students learning languages varies significantly across different regions. In the United States, only about 20% of students in kindergarten through 12th grade learn a foreign language, with Spanish being the most popular choice. On the other hand, in Europe, over 90% of youth study at least one foreign language, with English being the most common choice. This disparity can be attributed to the lack of uniform language study requirements across US states and the dominance of English as a global language. Additionally, the number of US students learning foreign languages has been steadily declining since 2009, with a 9% drop in enrolment in foreign language classes at American universities from 2013 to 2016.

Language learning in the US vs Europe

Language learning in the US and Europe takes place in different contexts, with varying degrees of popularity and importance placed on the skill.

Language Learning in the US

In the US, foreign language learning is not a national requirement, with decisions on language education mandates left to individual states. As a result, only 20% of K-12 students are enrolled in foreign language classes. Spanish is the most popular language to learn, with over 6.5 million students studying it at the high school level. This is due in part to the large number of Spanish speakers in the US, as well as its importance for trade and cultural exchange. Other popular languages include French, German, Latin, Japanese, Italian, and Chinese. However, the number of students studying foreign languages in US colleges has been declining, falling by up to 23% since 2013. This decline is also reflected in the number of foreign language programs offered by colleges, with a loss of 651 programs between 2013 and 2016.

Language Learning in Europe

In contrast, Europe has a much higher rate of language learning, driven by national-level mandates for formal language education in most European countries. On average, 92% of European students are learning a language in school, with English being the most commonly studied foreign language. In 2020, 96.1% of primary education pupils, 98.4% of lower secondary students, and 90.3% of upper secondary students in the EU studied at least one foreign language. In upper secondary education, 60% studied two or more foreign languages. In addition to English, other popular languages to learn include French, German, Spanish, and Italian. Language immersion is also a popular method of teaching in some European countries, where at least 50% of daily instruction is in a non-English language.

Comparison

The difference in language learning between the US and Europe is stark, with far lower shares of American students studying foreign languages. This is partly due to the lack of a national-level mandate for language education in the US, as well as the perception that foreign language skills are not as important for workers in today's economy. In contrast, Europe's high rate of language learning can be attributed to the national-level requirements in most European countries, as well as the early introduction of language education, with students typically starting their first foreign language between the ages of 6 and 9.

Language learning in US universities

The Current State of Language Learning in US Universities

The number of US students learning a foreign language has been on a steady decline since 2009, with a 9% drop in enrollment in foreign language classes between 2013 and 2016. This decline is attributed to a decrease in the number of people learning Spanish, which is the most popular language among US college students. Other languages that have seen a drop in popularity include German, Russian, and Italian. On the other hand, there has been an increase in enrollment in Korean classes, with a 65% increase, although the absolute number of students enrolled remains low at 14,000.

Overall, only 7% of college students in America are enrolled in a language course, which is significantly lower than the number of European students learning a foreign language (92% from kindergarten to 2nd grade). This disparity continues into higher education, with only 12% of US higher education institutions requiring intermediate-level language study.

Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

Despite the decline in language learning, there are numerous benefits associated with acquiring a foreign language. Firstly, it can improve brain health and cognitive abilities. Research has shown that multilingualism is positively correlated with intelligence, memory, and critical thinking skills. Learning a foreign language can also improve cultural awareness and understanding, leading to increased empathy and respect for other cultures.

Additionally, knowing a foreign language can open up personal growth and development opportunities. Individuals who speak multiple languages can more easily travel and experience other cultures. Learning a foreign language can also boost self-confidence, enhance career prospects, and improve problem-solving skills.

Suggestions for Improving Language Education

To address the language learning gap in the US, several strategies have been proposed:

• Highlighting the cognitive benefits of language learning, such as improved memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Increasing access to language education through online platforms and partnerships with foreign language schools.
• Integrating language education into other subjects, such as social studies, science, and literature, to reinforce the practical applications of language learning.
• Encouraging employers to recognize the value of foreign language skills by offering language training and incentives for bilingual employees, creating a demand for language skills in the job market.
• Starting language learning at an earlier age, as younger children are more receptive to acquiring new languages.
• Providing incentives for language learning, such as scholarships or academic credit, to encourage more students to enroll in language classes.

In conclusion, while language learning in US universities is currently facing a slump, there are several strategies that can be implemented to improve language education in the country and help US students reap the benefits of multilingualism.

Language learning in US schools

Despite this overall decline, there are some positive signs. Over 20% of school-age children in the US are enrolled in foreign language classes, and 91% of US high schools offer foreign language programs. Spanish is by far the most popular language, with over 6.5 million students studying it at high school and over 700,000 at college. The number of Spanish immersion schools, where at least 50% of daily instruction is in a non-English language, is also increasing.

However, the number of students studying other languages has decreased. Between 2013 and 2016, the number of students enrolled in foreign language classes at American universities fell by over 9%. This includes significant drops in the number of people learning German, Russian, and Italian. While there has been an increase in students learning Korean, the overall number remains low at just 14,000.

The lack of a uniform language study requirement across the US is often cited as a reason for the decline in language learning. Unlike European countries, there is no federal mandate for foreign language learning in the US, and only three states, plus Washington, D.C., have foreign language requirements in high school. This means that only around 20% of US students learn a foreign language, compared to over 90% in Europe.

The decline in language learning has consequences. Over 70% of Americans regret not learning a second language, and 21% have missed career opportunities as a result. Learning a foreign language has many benefits, including improved brain health, better job prospects, and a deeper understanding of other cultures.

To address the decline in language learning, some have suggested implementing federal or state-level mandates for foreign language learning. Others have pointed to the growth of online resources and virtual high schools as a way to make language learning more accessible and reduce the financial burden on academic institutions.

Language learning in Asia

In China, English is a required subject from the third grade, and in Hong Kong, students must pass both English and Chinese exams to enter university. Japanese is also a popular language to study, with the KCP International Japanese Language School offering intensive language and culture instruction.

Asia University in Japan offers an extensive foreign language education with 14 language courses. The university aims to nurture human resources to lead the era of globalization, providing students with direct exposure to different cultures.

While specific data on university students in Asia learning languages is limited, it is evident that language learning is a significant aspect of education in the region, with varying policies and approaches across different countries.

Language learning in Australia

In Australia, the most popular languages to learn are German, French, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese. However, language departments in the country have long been struggling due to inadequate funding and poor policy. This is reflected in the fact that Australia does not have a national languages policy, unlike the EU, which recommends "mother tongue plus two".

Despite these challenges, language learning has become increasingly popular at the university level. For instance, Deakin University offers courses in Mandarin, Arabic, Indonesian, and Spanish, as well as community-based education programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians through the Institute of Koorie Education.

The benefits of language learning are well-established. Dr Michiko Weinmann and Dr Ruth Arber, Co-Directors of Deakin’s Centre for Teaching and Learning Languages, emphasize that learning a new language can improve multitasking skills, memory, and attention span. It also enhances career prospects by making individuals more globally mobile and attractive to employers seeking well-rounded, culturally competent employees. Furthermore, learning a second language allows individuals to make friends and establish connections worldwide.

In addition to the practical advantages, learning a language is enjoyable and provides a window into other cultures, histories, and ways of thinking. It helps individuals become more globally connected and challenges the notion of a single "first" language, particularly in a multilingual society like Australia.

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