Learning a second language is beneficial in many ways. Schools of all grades start teaching another language early on to enhance memorability and fun. The number of people learning a second language is increasing. The benefits are there and are proof that everyone should learn a second language.
Learning a second language, of any kind, at an early age, has major benefits. “Children who grow up learning a foreign language from an early age – starting as early as three years old- benefit tremendously” (Frontiers Academy). Frontier Academy has also listed five benefits of learning another language at an early age. They are: “Better Linguistics, Cognitive Benefits, Higher Academic Achievement, Cultural Enrichment and Societal Contributions” (Frontier Academy).
The Cognitive Benefits point is interesting because it’s something that many people don’t think of. Cognitive is “concerned with the act or process of knowing, perceiving, etc” (Cognitive). So, the Cognitive Benefits that are stated are: “better critical thinking skills, more creativity, enhanced memory, and better multi-tasking abilities” (Frontiers Academy). So, when your child or even you, consider learning a second language, think about these benefits at hand. It’s easier to learn when you are younger as well: “Children learn a second language more easily when they are young” (GreatSchools Staff).
When your older, it still can produce benefits like slowing down the ageing of your brain. A quote by Dr. Thomas Bak says, “Millions of people around the world acquire their second language later in life. Our study shows that bilingualism, even when acquired in adulthood, may benefit the ageing brain” (Learning). The article even states about a “previous study suggested that being bilingual could delay the onset of dementia by several years” (Learning). 
Learning a second language is not only fun, but it’s educationally and culturally important. You will have a better chance at obtaining a job. They are always looking for someone who knows another language. “Police officers, teachers, nurses, business owners and many others will find language skills useful, whether they want to sell products overseas or work in U.S. communities that are increasingly multiethnic” (GreatSchools Staff).
If these benefits don’t catch your eye, then maybe learning a second language was never in your favor. You might think that it’s too difficult for you. But, American Sign Language is a visual language and has been able to help with people in these same areas. “American Sign Language, which is taught at many community colleges, is a visual, rather than written language that may be a good option” (GreatSchool Staff).
The importance is becoming greater and greater in our society because of the internet based translators available. It’s become an increasing problem for language classes because the students will cheat with them. However, many schools have already implemented a way to know that their students are learning it. A quote from, Stemler, a verteran teacher says ““Students are given a lot of speaking time,” she says. “That means I have a lot less control of accuracy. It’s not about perfection, but can you say something comprehensible? I correct, but I correct by repeating back in the correct form”” (GreatSchool Staff). By having the students talk in class, they know if they are learning or not. 
All in all, learning a second language can be challenging, yes, but it’s been known to have many benefits, even when you are older. The importance of learning another language is increasing over the years. You may even get the job, when up against someone who has the same degree and hours available, except that you know Spanish or Mandarin. Even the schools are catching on to this and have already been proven to teach it properly with having the students speaking mostly in the time of the class. The benefits are there and the world is getting used to it.
References
“Cognitive.” Dictionary.com, Dictionary.com, www.dictionary.com/browse/cognitive.
Frontiers Academy. “Top 5 Reasons Your Child Will Benefit from Learning a Foreign Language.” Frontiers Academy, 22 Sept. 2014, http://frontiersacademy.org/top-5-reasons-child-will-benefit-learning-foreign-language/
GreatSchools Staff. “Why Learn a Second Language?” Parenting, 8 Feb. 2016, www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/learn-second-language/.
“Learning Second Language ‘Slows Brain Ageing’.” BBC News, BBC, 2 June 2014, www.bbc.com/news/health-27634990.
