The Disadvantage of Minimal Foreign Language Requirements

Cherish Weiler

A recent study conducted by the American Council on Education found that fewer than one in five universities in the U.S. require a foreign-language credit from their undergraduates. While the study of languages is a well-known scholastic practice of the past, perhaps even a central component of education at one point in time, critics question the application of such minimal requirements in today’s society.

Dan Edelstein argues that mere tradition is not enough to keep colleges from requiring a foreign language credit or two. He points to evidence showing a decreased enrollment among undergraduates in foreign language courses and to evidence showing universities reducing their availability of language courses due to decreased funding. Edelstein suggests that the future of foreign language requirements depend on the ability of students to advance far in a particular language. He argues that the minimal requirements are hardly beneficial to students; in order to adequately learn a language and become proficient, students need to total immersion, not a year of introductory once-a-week classes. Edelstein recognizes the good intentions of universities that require language courses from their undergraduates but states that these “token requirements” are not enough to satisfy those intentions and goals.

Edelstein makes a bold argument against the need for minimal language requirements for college undergraduates. I agree that the need for cultural enrichment and the importance of multilingual skills are high in modern society and that the universities do have good intentions when requiring such language courses. However, I also agree that the level of requirement is not enough to truly benefit a student. Instead, I support the idea of removing required language courses but offering more beneficial and accessible programs such as a “total immersion” program or more accessible study abroad programs. Students should be able to decide the extent of their foreign language study and not be required to take classes that are of no value or use to them in the long run.