How Language Access Strengthens Communities
With more than 400 languages spoken within its borders, the United States is one of the most linguistically diverse places in the world. That’s thanks, in large part, to the nation’s large immigrant communities, who bring their languages here from all across the globe.
From widely documented languages like Spanish and Mandarin to less commonly spoken Native American languages and sign languages, the United States is undoubtedly a bastion of linguistic diversity.
In spite of the nation’s robust sense of multilingualism, English remains the predominant language of most aspects of life here. The descendants of the immigrants that make our country so diverse grow less and less likely to speak the heritage languages with each successive generation born here — that means that the US-born-and-raised grandchildren of Venezuelan immigrants, for example, are much more likely to speak English as a first (and only) language than they are to speak Spanish.
Without some sort of intervention, after a family migrates from one country to another, their language typically vanishes within three generations. In part, this is a natural phenomenon — people move to the US and their children pick up the language they encounter most frequently. Still, we can do more to preserve the linguistic heritage of immigrants and their children: Supporting local families to keep their native languages through interpreting, translations, and engagement has far-reaching benefits beyond cultural heritage and ethics.
By improving language access, we can slow down — or even reverse — the pace at which immigrant languages vanish, thereby strengthening the linguistic diversity of our country. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the ways in which improved language access and stronger linguistic retention can benefit American society.
5 Benefits of Linguistic Diversity
Language access enables speakers of languages other than English to maintain their linguistic heritage — by offering translation and interpreting services in as many aspects of their day-to-day life as possible, we enable them and their children to engage in their native or heritage language without English impeding on it.
In turn, these languages will flourish in the United States, rather than disappearing after a few generations. Here are five key ways in which this linguistic diversity benefits everyone residing in the country.
1. Economic Growth
Linguistic diversity directly contributes to economic vitality. Multilingual communities attract global talent and create opportunities for international partnerships, positioning cities as hubs of innovation and collaboration. It’s no coincidence that New York City — often heralded as the most linguistically diverse city on the planet — is the nation’s financial epicenter.
Local businesses thrive by catering to a diverse range of customers from different backgrounds, while multilingualism enables stronger connections in global trade. Furthermore, fostering language retention strengthens cultural tourism, drawing visitors eager for unique experiences tied to vibrant linguistic heritage.
2. Equity and Inclusion
Promoting language access also helps residents feel a sense of belonging in their communities. Providing multilingual resources in areas as diverse as healthcare, education, and public services reduces barriers and creates equitable opportunities for non-English speakers.
Inclusive policies that embrace linguistic diversity encourage greater civic engagement and empower residents to actively participate in shaping their neighborhoods. By supporting language preservation, we can strengthen interpersonal connections between diverse groups, and reduce social inequities.
3. Cultural Enrichment
Language access doesn’t just enable linguistic preservation — it also empowers immigrant communities to pass down their culture to the next generation. Speaking their heritage language allows the children and grandchildren of immigrants to interact with their ancestral culture — the art, film, literature, etc. These heritage speakers often create cultural hubs within their communities, organizing festivals and centers that celebrate their culture. Many of the cultural events that we enjoy most — cultural film festivals or concerts — are made possible by immigrants and their offspring.
4. Improved Cognition and Communication
Exposure to multiple languages improves cognitive skills such as problem solving and attention span. Students in linguistically diverse environments also gain valuable communication skills. These skills prove to be highly valuable outside of the realm of language: strong problem-solving and communication skills create lifelong learners who are well-equipped to contribute their knowledge to the good of society.
Classroom interpreters and native-language instruction support students’ language retention and also ensure that they continue to use their home languages after starting school, strengthening their family ties and cultural identity. In addition, multilingual education creates inclusive classrooms that celebrate diversity and help all students develop empathy and an appreciation for different perspectives.
5. Better Sense of Global Connectivity
In an increasingly globalized world, the importance of multilingualism is hard to overstate. While English maintains a sort of global lingua franca status, people still prefer to communicate in their native language.
By supporting the use of non-English languages at every level of our society, residents of the US can be better prepared to interact and engage with people from different countries. This ultimately results in a better understanding of other cultures. On a local level, this means a better sense of harmony between immigrant communities and native-born Americans. On a global level, cities that embrace multilingualism are well-positioned as points of international commerce, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
Summary
A multilingual society has many advantages. By supporting immigrant languages in the United States through language access measures like interpreting and translation, heritage speakers and English speakers alike can enjoy the following benefits of living in a linguistically diverse community:
If you’re looking to foster multilingualism in your community through improved language access, Avantpage is here to help. We offer a wide range of language services to help your organization connect with immigrant communities — contact us today at [email protected] or (530) 750-2040.