The Importance of Second Language Learning and Teaching in the Twenty First century

Abstract

Second language learning and teaching are more important in the twenty-first century than ever before and are more important than even many language teachers appreciate. Most  of  us  are  familiar  with  traditional  student  populations:  captive  school  children required  to  “pass”  a  foreign  language  (often  for  no  obvious  reason),  college  students satisfying a language requirement or working toward a BA in literature, young adults headed overseas for university courses, as missionaries or to serve as volunteers in the Peace Corps and similar organizations, and adults needing a L2 for vocational training or occupational purposes in the business world, aid organizations, the military, federal and state government, or the diplomatic and intelligence services. Typically, these students are literate, well educated, relatively affluent, learning a major world language, and, the school children aside, doing so voluntarily.