Tyler Kendall
Features Editor
Sophomore Kala Berg was born in Argentina and has been surrounded by the Spanish language ever since she was a young girl. “As a kid my parents spoke it around me, so I have always grown up in a Spanish speaking household,” she said.
Many students who speak multiple languages like Kala agreed that they became fluent through constant usage at home. “I learned how to speak Italian from my parents because they were always speaking it around me,” junior Maureen Selvaggi said.
For some, being bilingual came from outside influences in society, as well as a factor inside the home. “I lived in Brazil for five years before I moved here,” freshman Francisco Rocha said. “That’s how I became fluent in Portuguese.”
Sophomore Stefan Pla is fluent in German, but has no German heritage. Stefan’s experience with learning a new language differs from many of the traditional ways students become fluent. “I lived in Switzerland for four years and it was through the cultural immersion that I learned the language,” he said.
Knowing a second language can pose numerous benefits to students, especially in the classroom. “Italian is really similar to Latin so it definitely helps me in my Latin class,” Maureen said. “Italian also came in handy for the SAT’s, like figuring out root words and meanings.”
Francisco agreed, noting the benefits of being fluent in a language similar to the one he studies in school. “Knowing Portuguese helps me in Spanish class because there are major similarities between the two languages,” he said.
Some students decide to study the language they are fluent in, while others opt to learn new languages in high school.“I decided to take Spanish as one of my languages in school, because although I know how to speak Spanish I need to learn the grammar and brush up on my writing skills,” Kala said. “I also take French though, which I always had a real interest in because I wanted to explore past my heritage.”
Senior Robin Neuhaus currently takes Composition Literature for language credit, because she has completed all levels of Spanish. Almost fluent, her ability to speak Spanish took drive and determination for the past years. “I really took to the Spanish language because it was cool to learn about another culture and be able to communicate with so many more people,” she said.
Sophomore Nicolette Lathouris who is fluent in Greek also notes that one of the primary benefits of being bilingual is the facilitated communication among cultures. “When I go to Greece every summer, it’s essential I know Greek to get around the cities and talk with friends and family,” she said.
For some, the prospect of becoming fluent in another language literally can open up a new world of opportunities. Senior Sophie Ponchak explained, “I think it’s important to learn another language because it can help you while you’re traveling and when applying for certain jobs.”
