Language can be used as both barriers and bridges. In the European,not so distant history language was a barrier. The language barrier between the Native Americans and Europeans caused a mass genocide. This genocide could have been avoided if the two groups of people could have communicated. Language also helps build bridges between people. Modern Europe is entirely connected due to language. In modern days, language is required to communicate with people, and many education systems around the world have recognized this. In the United States, language classes are required to graduate from high school.

How well are students really retaining the information? At Lincoln Northeast there are three different language courses students may select from. These are French, German, and Spanish. These classes allow students to grow their skills in another language, and indulge in a new culture. Students tend to not retain the knowledge they gain from language classes. The lack of retention seems to come from lack of use, lack of effort, and large learning curve.

Practice makes perfect. This is a common cliche that applies to almost all areas of life.If one wishes to succeed in soccer, practice is required. The saying also holds true for language. In order to truly become proficient in language, practicing is required. Language must be used outside of school for it to become effective. Students that do not practice their chosen language outside of school will forget. This is a major cause for low retention. This especially affects people that have already graduated from the education system. Katherine Ortega, a Northeast graduate, took french for four years while in high school . When asked if she had used any of French she had learned, she said “ I remember how to say my name and basic stuff like that.” This makes Katherine a very common person. These things are very basic concepts learned within the first semester of language courses. Anything beyond this is completely forgotten. Even concepts like clothing, food, and transportation are forgotten. These are all necessary to communicate with people. Katherine continued to say “never used it in real life.” This is why she has forgotten all that she learned. She has not practiced in years. The lack of usage allowed the language to fade from her memory.

High school students vary in motivation.A large percentage of high schoolers do not give effort when it comes to school.There are also students that leave everything in the classroom.When this is combined with an entirely new language, it causes many students to struggle in language classes. Anh Tran, a senior at Lincoln Northeast and honor roll student, said “There’s an even split in effort.” This leads to an off balance classroom. Some students are barely keeping up with the class, while others are entirely bored from the lack of challenge. This can lead to lack of retention on both sides. The students who are behind understand enough for any information to stick. The ahead students aren’t challenged enough to help retain the information. The students that find the perfect middle ground are the ones that will retain the information. Motivation completely influences whether students will be able to recall information further on in life.

In anything a person does, there is a learning curve. The challenges and difficulty level to learn is a learning curve. An example of this are the challenges football players face when becoming star players. Things like catching, communication, running, and play rememberance are all challenges that are part of the learning curve. Learning curves are different for everyone, and this is mostly dependent on past experiences. Past experiences allow people to overcome the learning curve much easier. Going back to our football example, a rugby player will have a much easier  learning curve when entering football. Many of the skills required for rugby are also required for football, making the change easier. For language classes, the learning curve is enormous. High school students that are not skilled in more than one language have a massive learning curve in high school. Students are entering an entirely separate way of learning than what they have been taught for years. According to Amy Hilzer, a German teacher of seven years, “ lack of studying and the age of the students makes it difficult to learn.” These are the two largest components of the learning curve. In order for students to gain language knowledge, students must study. Students must use the things they are learning outside of school; this will help students overcome the challenges that come with learning language.

The second part of the curb is the age of the students. Freshmen come into high school at the tender age of either 14 or 15. At these ages, the students are not focused on their future, and do not focus in classes.  They are very rouge and will not focus. In a language class, focus and studying are necessary in order to be able learn. Freshmen bad habits influence their futures in school. This will cause low retention rates in the future. The key to overcoming these challenges is studying. This will put students on the path towards success.

Language is what will bring the world together. It will bring about wonderful advances in technology and better human life. As a nation, the United States must be prepared to join with other nations. This all starts with the education system. Students must learn to retain the information they learn in language classes. Students must learn to use language more, increase effort in class, and overcome language learning curve. Language  will bring about a new leaf for the world. As Albert Einstein, one of the most brilliant minds to ever exist, once said “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”