With over 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, there is a vast number that can be learned. Some schools offer languages from Spanish to Mandarin to French. While some find the opportunity to learn a different language interesting, others believe learning a new language is challenging.

Freshman Faith Jennerich takes Spanish here at Mount Pisgah.

“Learning Spanish is something that should be optional and is only beneficial for people who maybe want to visit or live in a country where it is spoken someday,” said Jennerich.”It can be extremely difficult for the student to learn and understand, especially when they’re making more important classes their first priorities which are actually important for later on in life.” said Jennerich.

At the moment learning a language might seem like a burden and not important in your life, however speaking more than one language can help with job opportunities in the future and may possibly help with building friendships.

“Taking Latin has helped me to meet kids from other grades and bond with my small Latin class outside of the classroom,” said freshman Ellie Lottes. “Everything I am learning can help with grammar in the future because I know the Greek and Latin roots which helps if I don’t know the meaning I can pull what I’ve learned in Latin.”

While learning a different language can be overwhelming and stressful sometimes, it can help you get out of your comfort zone by pushing you to try something new.  

“When I first started taking French classes, it helped me learn the process of researching and collecting information. It took me out of my comfort zone when it came to having conversations in French with others,” said upper school math teacher Beth Rogers. “I think it’s important to take a language in school because it gives everyone the opportunity to start from the ground up and learn about other cultures around the world.” 

Learning a new language isn’t just about speaking, reading and writing. It’s also about learning what different cultures do and celebrate and forming an appreciation for something that is different.

“For me, it was very exciting to have the opportunity to learn about many other cultures and the things that they do. I don’t think that kind of opportunity comes around often, so it was really fun for me to learn more.” said Rogers. “It expanded my horizon and helped me become more aware of the world around me.”