By Rachel Rundengan |Staff Writer|

Whether you’re a freshman in college or just recently graduated, many people would agree that fluency in a second language can not only help you stand out, but it can also open many doors to opportunities that those who are monolinguals might miss.

“In today’s global economy, the ability to communicate is key, and as more companies expand internationally, the ability to communicate in another language has become a significant advantage in the workforce,” stated writer Paula Andruss.

Language is a powerful tool, especially in the society we live in today.

It serves as a medium for developing effective communication.

According to dictionary.com, communication is “the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs.”

It is important we recognize the importance of learning another language because it would help us to be more open to foreign culture and foreign ideas—making communication work more effectively between people.

“Monolingualism holds us back culturally and socially,” said assistant professor Dr. Bibiana Diaz.

Monolingualism is the condition of being able to only speak a single language.

In this modern day where being able to speak more than just English is highly valued, we, as college students, should act on it—and quickly, too.

“Monolingualism is an awful virus,” continued Diaz.

“Luckily we (CSUSB) have a wonderful language program to end this virus,” concluded Diaz.

In a world that is increasingly globalized, it is imperative that we understand just how valuable being bilingual is.

“Those entering the workforce in 2014 with second language fluency can expect an additional 10 to 15 percent pay increase,” said Ryan McMunn, language expert and CEO of BRIC Language Systems.

Learning another language can enlarge a person’s perspective and reduce the barriers between people.

“The U.S. committee on Economic Development (CED) suggests that American businesses lost more than $2 billion a year due to language and or cultural misunderstandings,” stated contributing Forbes writer Cheryl Conner.

Though being bilingual is not required to get a job, “it provides a competitive advantage,” said career counselor Damion Donaldson.

Being bilingual has become an essential factor in this day and age; it has become a new standard in the workforce, whether we like it or not.

“As America becomes diverse, the needs of the country change too,” concluded Donaldson.

While we are still students here at CSUSB, I urge everyone to consider taking a language class, as it will not only benefit you in college, but also for many things you can gain in the future.

Being able to speak another language can be advantageous in all aspects of life.

It allows one to become more in touch with the world and the people in it.

As Nelson Mandela eloquently said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to a man in his language, that goes to his heart.”