Language Diversity: Why it is important By Kelli Dempsey
Language is one of the greatest tools for people. Through
language we are able to communicate with others through our joy, anger,
disappointment and fear. Language is a broad term, a shoulder shrug or an
“I don’t know”, or “Como”, are all terms to let someone know you don’t
understand. They all mean the same thing, but are spoken in different
languages. We are communicating through language all the time and in
different ways. When we don’t understand the language well enough, we
experience difficulty in understanding each other. Furthermore, it is widely
From the time I was young I learned to communicate in many
held that knowing more than one language widens our understanding of
languages. I grew up in Southern California in a pretty small town where I
our experiences. Part of the reason is because when you learn new
was only 1 of 8 with English as my first language in a class of 30. I was
languages you learn the culture that comes with it. A large piece of my
basically the minority in all my classes up to 6th grade when my family
diversity in language came from the large number of friends I grew up with
moved to Utah. Because of my California experiences, I learned that
from Mexico, El Salvador and Puerto Rico. I not only learned their
English was not the only way to communicate and embraced learning how
language, but the culture that comes with it. I have always been the token
my fellow students from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Uganda as well as Native
“white” girl and always enjoyed being part of language communities other
Americans communicated through their own languages.
than my own. Language diversity is an important piece of living in the
knowing that English wasn’t the only way, or the right way. When I was 11
United States. We are a melting pot of people and all should feel
my class held a cultural event for one of the Native American tribes where
empowered to share that with others. The following is a bit of my story
the presentations were given in the native language of the presenter. The
and why I feel it is important to embrace, value, and encourage all
presentation was translated through my classes’ movements and actions,
language diversity.
and little or no speaking. I didn’t realize this at the time, but this type of
I grew up
event has shaped how I handle various work interactions. Languages
aren’t always verbal and by understanding the differences we have, not
only in spoken language, but non verbal, we can shape the interaction into
a positive and productive meeting or encounter. The importance of
Language Diversity: Why it is important By Kelli Dempsey
learning and understanding other languages can be seen by the increase in
around it made the question seem strange to me. It has always been a
the number of college students enrolled in a foreign language. Since 2006
part of who I am. Later I felt honored that I was part of something, a
the number has increased by 3% year over year (Forbes). The number of
culture of its own, one where skin color or accent can be looked past.
elementary schools now offering courses in a second language has also
There are many ways to find language diversity in your
become common in many states, including Utah, which leads the way in
community. School is a great place to start. Whether through a specific
dual immersion programs (KSL). Dual Immersion is a program where
language class, or by getting involved in after school programs offered at
students spend half the day speaking English and the other half in a
the school, these options are both convenient and in most cases free.
second language. Some of the benefits of dual immersion programs
Other options are through church or volunteer programs. I have had some
reported by the Utah State Office of Education are; second language skills,
of my most memorable diversity learning’s from volunteering. It not only
improved performance on standardized tests, enhanced cognitive skills,
offers a way to get involved with diverse people, but also fulfills a desire to
and increased cultural sensitivity. As our economy continues the move to a
assist those who need help. These are just a few of the routes of have
global one, speaking more than one language will be invaluable. Although I
taken to expose myself to language diversity, but there are many more if
did not attend a dual immersion school, being the minority in my class
you take a moment to search for them.
made it feel that way. Learning and being exposed to other languages in
My language diversity experiences as a child and now as a young
elementary school helped me continue learning when I moved to Utah
adult have shaped me into the person I am today. Those who never
and started high school.
experience diversity in culture and language have a tough road ahead of
Attending high school in Kearns, Utah is about as diverse as you
them. It can be shocking to go on vacation and not know what it is like to
get for this state. I wouldn’t say I was the minority like in California, but it
be exposed to cultural and language differences. My exposure has helped
certainly exposed me to other cultures and languages that many in our
in all aspects of my life, whether it is with a colleague, at work, or relating
state don’t get to see or be part of. While I attended, we were named one
to the kids I help in Big Brothers, Big Sisters. I encourage every young
of the most diverse schools in the state based on language and ethnicity.
person around me to embrace the differences around them and learn
Teen Cosmo came to the school to do an article and interview and take
from them. Learning or knowing a second language will never be a bad
photos of us. I was interviewed and asked questions about how I
thing in my mind.
interacted with those with different culture or languages. Growing up
Language Diversity: Why it is important By Kelli Dempsey
Works Cited
Forbes Magazine. August 2012.
KSL News. July 2011
Utah State Office of Education