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During this research, I got really interested in census data of immigrants in the United States. The results of the latest census of immigrants show that the United States will be more racially and ethnically diverse by 2060. The Hispanic population, for example, “would more than double, from 53.3 millions in 2012 to 128.8 millions in 2060. One in three U.S. residents would be Hispanic. The Asian population by its part is projected to go from 15.9 millions in 2012 to 34.4 millions in 2060.” There will also be an increase of American Indians and Alaskan Native populations as well: “The number of people who identify themselves as being of two or more races is projected to more than triple, from 7.5 millions to 26.7 millions over the same period of time” (www.census.gov).
Taking into consideration the results of my research and the census data, I see many social implications. The country will not only become more ethnically diverse, but there will be more people speaking another language at home other than English. The huge amount of Spanish speakers in the U.S. will force the education system to change. There will definitely be a need to teach Spanish at school if they want to really prepare the students for the real world where they will be living. Parents should prepare their kids for these changes and teach them Spanish as they will be the adults of this period.
Should we see this change as something negative? No, it has been proven that diverse cities, as New York City, Los Angeles, London, are stronger because of it. The benefits presented through this research show the many advantages of speaking a second language. It will not only enrich the business area, but also the education, cultural and social life (Bialystok, E. 2011) of this country. Imagine a country where everybody can speak and read in a second language. It will definitely connect us with another parts of the world we never imagined. The life as we know it will change and we want to be ready for it. This means understanding what should be changed to achieve a more diverse linguistic population in the United States. It is a concern that most of the people don't really recognize the many advantages of learning a new language. Even though all of my interviews show they know there are advantages of knowing more than one language, none of them could specify any of these. What should be done to make people aware of the importance of learning multiple languages?
As the resources presented explain, it is better to start learning a new language at an early age when kids are absorbing every single thing provided. Parents should be a central part of this process and engage in the adventure of learning a new language as well. Education programs should be more focused on bilingualism and should motivate students to approach a new language without fear or insecurities and, instead, with assurance that this new skill will bring great benefits to every aspect of their life.
When health is a factor, there should be no doubt about learning a new language for anybody. This is one of the few ways available to fight mental disease, engage multitasking, and posses a more flexible and healthy brain. If you still have any doubt about learning a new language, watch this video: