In this age of accountability in education, policymakers and administrators, as well as parents, are increasingly demanding to know what research studies show regarding the benefits of language learning. We will identify some of the major correlation studies that highlight how language learners benefit from their experiences. Explore the links below for studies specific to those areas.
Research Findings
What does research show about the benefits of language learning?
Academic Achievement
Academic Achievement
Language learning correlates with higher academic achievement
Research Findings
Competence and Proficiency
Students acquire competence in second language while maintaining proficiency
Research Findings
Reading Abilities
Language learning is beneficial in the development of students’ reading abilities.
Research Findings
Skill Transfer
Language learners transfer skills from one language to another
Research Findings
Linguistic Awareness
There is a correlation between second language learning and increased linguistic awareness
Research Findings
Scientific Hypotheses
Language learners have improved ability to hypothesize in science
Research Findings
Socioeconomics
Language learning can benefit all students
Research Findings
Print Awareness
Second language development improves development of print awareness
Research Findings
Language Brokering
Translating for family improves academic performance and self-efficacy
Research Findings
Test Scores
Language study results in higher SAT and ACT scores
Research Findings
College Performance
High school language study may result in higher academic performance at the college level
Research Findings
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Cognitive Benefits
Cognitive Abilities
Early language learning improves cognitive abilities
Research Findings
Benefits of Language Learning Resources
The cognitive, academic, & attitudinal benefits of early language learning
Research Findings
Increased Cognitive Development and Abilities
Bilingualism Correlates with Increased Cognitive Development and Abilities
Research Findings
Age-related cognitive losses
Correlation Between Bilingualism and Age-Related Cognitive Losses
Research Findings
Bilingualism and Intelligence
Bilingualism and attentional control of cognitive tasks
Research Findings
Bilingualism and Metalinguistic Skills
Bilingualism and metalinguistic skills
Research Findings
Memory Skills
Bilingualism and memory skills
Research Findings
Problem-Solving Ability
Bilingualism and problem solving ability
Research Findings
Improved Verbal and Spatial Abilities
Research on bilingual cognitive development
Research Findings
Benefits of Bilingualism with Reviews of Literature
Benefits of Bilingualism by Investigating Reviews of Literature
Research Findings
Cultural Attitudes and Beliefs
Cultural Attitudes and Beliefs
Language Learners develop a more positive attitude to speakers of that language
Research Findings
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Language education benefits everyone
Students aren’t the only ones who benefit from language learning. The benefits of teaching and learning language extend throughout society and our world.
Employability and World Languages
Infographic
Employability Skills + World Languages
Infographic showing how world language learners develop the skills identified in the Employability Skills Framework for Career and Technical Education (CTE).
Document (PDF)
Employability Skills
ACTFL’s Professional Learning Committee outlines correlation to language learning and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Employability Skills Framework.
Report
Making Languages Our Business Report: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers
Study-based report indicating an urgent and growing demand for language skills in the workplace.
Thanks to Amanda Kibler and Sandy Philipose, Graduate Research Assistants of Guadalupe Valdés at Stanford University, for assisting in the compilation of these studies.
This information is not designed to provide a comprehensive review of the research studies available but has been compiled to highlight the benefits of language learning.