Some graduate programs require knowledge of another language as a means to encourage students to access primary source documents. In other cases, knowledge of another language such as French, English, etc. is considered an asset because it is seen to facilitate engagement with other scholars. My question is, aside from these potential benefits, are there additional ways in which knowledge of another language contributes to the formation of a scholar or a professional?
Some scholars of higher education curriculum such as Thelin (1977) have stated that historically languages were important for exposure to the classics of the ancient world to be "effective in politics and statesmanship", as well practical use for lawyers, doctors, and clergy in more modern times. It was also seen that it is/was necessary to be perceived as part of being "cultured" and for better handling public affairs to write and speak words with power. (pp. 37-38). In the past 30 years I have seen that some professional doctoral programs allowed substitution of traditional languages with computer languages for entry into their programs. Though utilitarian, this possibly could be seen as a potential benefit you are inquiring about regarding formation of a scholar or professional in today's rapidly change technology information age.
Some scholars of higher education curriculum such as Thelin (1977) have stated that historically languages were important for exposure to the classics of the ancient world to be "effective in politics and statesmanship", as well practical use for lawyers, doctors, and clergy in more modern times. It was also seen that it is/was necessary to be perceived as part of being "cultured" and for better handling public affairs to write and speak words with power. (pp. 37-38). In the past 30 years I have seen that some professional doctoral programs allowed substitution of traditional languages with computer languages for entry into their programs. Though utilitarian, this possibly could be seen as a potential benefit you are inquiring about regarding formation of a scholar or professional in today's rapidly change technology information age.
Jeffrey, I can understand why some programs might substitute knowledge of and facility with a computer programming language for facility in a foreign or ancient language. As I reflect on my original question, it occurs to me that I was grasping to ask about something deeper than the ability to read a body of knowledge in the original language, or the ability to communicate, or even the the ability to perform as a professional. The question had more to do with the fact that true bilingualism (often) means that we learn to think differently about concepts in order to be able to communicate. Thus my question was an awkward way of asking, "Does capacity in a foreign language enhance the way we look at life, conceptualize ideas, and communicate?" If so, should this be a requirement of graduate education? ResearchGate, however, limits the length of a question.
This topic has a point worth-seeing.
Learning a foreign language has multiple benefits. Each program has to adopt to its' requirements.
Kelvin, I think enhancing the way we look at life was part of the original intent for learning other languages in the college curriculum along with communication and conceptualizing ideas. Therefore it's probably justified to require fluency in another language for admission in many graduate programs, especially doctoral degrees that seek to educate scholars and professionals. Though experts on language and bilingualism, as well as educational psychology could probably provide additional support and reasons. It's likely that there is research available on this topic.
Jeffrey, thank you for your comment. I wonder if perhaps the benefits extend beyond how we think about life; if only somewhat? I am mindful that each language is governed by its own rules of syntax that shape the way concepts are communicated. I wonder if anyone has any thoughts as to whether (or how) immersion in another language and culture shapes us in other ways.
Kelvin, although not my field I too have wondered about this from casual discussions and observations of, and statement by, bilingual or multilingual people. Also awhile ago I read about the Language of Thought Hypothesis (LOTH) which relatedly brought this topic to mind. I should think there is other research about immersion, bilingualism, multilingualism, and thought. Article Language of Thought Hypothesis: State of the Art
Yes, we who daily use 2-3 languages find it obvious that several language with different logic are of great use. You preferably read the literature you need for your study on its original language. You always lose something in translations.
Knowing other language(s) opens commnuication and collaboration channels and unlimited opportunties for dynamic and beneficial interactions.
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