Societal Impact
How Languages Build Societies:
- Second-language learners demonstrate enhanced empathy, awareness of diversity, tolerance of difference and a greater sense of social justice.
- Learning second languages encourages learners to embrace scientific, social and
environmental ideas originating from other parts of the world. - Second-language learning promotes international dialogue, collaboration and
engaged global citizenship.
- Second-language learning promotes the development of cultural identities and contributes to a deeper appreciation for the transmission of culture through language.
The above statements come from the Literature on the Impact of Second-Language Learning (2017).
Read Why Learn Languages? Languages Build Societies – a short summary of the benefits of learning a second language.
Read a research-based article on how language learning builds societies:
- The Conversation: How learning a new language improves tolerance