In today’s world, the ability to communicate across cultures is more crucial than ever. However, for many students, the language options provided by schools often feel limited. At Lake Stevens High School, the offerings are confined to Spanish, French and German. While these languages certainly have their merits, they might not cater to the diverse interests and aspirations of all students.
“I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures, but none of the languages offered at our school really piqued my interest. I feel like if we had more options, I’d be much more motivated to learn and engage with the material,” senior Isaiah Brown said.
Indeed, Brown’s sentiment resonates with many of his peers. The desire to explore languages beyond the conventional offerings is palpable among students, reflecting a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of the world and the value of linguistic diversity.
“I think schools shouldn’t offer languages just because they’re useful, but also because the students would be actually interested in it,” junior Elly Waters said.
Water’s observation shows the importance of aligning language offerings with student interests. By expanding the range of languages available, schools can create a deeper sense of curiosity and engagement among their students, which in the long run will benefit their education.
In addition, offering a wider array of language classes can also promote inclusivity and cultural understanding. Languages such as Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Japanese represent not only linguistic diversity but also vibrant cultures and histories.
Providing opportunities for students to learn these languages can foster greater empathy and appreciation for different ways of life.
