The Idea of an Essay, Volume 3

162 The Idea of an Essay: Volume 3 to alter behavior, it is easier to find the words needed. I have heard bilinguals say that there is no good English word to translate from a different language. With the knowledge of two languages, there is a greater ability to know different words from either language that have slightly different meanings. For example, in English we have one word for “love”. However, in Hebrew there are several different meanings for the word love: ahab- spontaneous impulsive love, hesed-deliberate choice of affection and kindness, and raham-to have compassion, brotherly love (Blue Letter Bible). With knowing more than one language bilinguals are enabled to have a broader selection of words and phrases to choose from when communicating with others. In regards to communication, employers want their employees to be able to speak more than one language to better communicate with others regarding business matters, customers, future partnerships, foreign matters, etc. Bilinguals are very marketable in the workforce because companieswant peoplewho can speakmore thanone language. With Spanish being so popular, many companies are discovering the language barrier becoming more difficult and becoming a greater problem because more customers can speak only Spanish. Along with companies, hospitals and nursing homes have a large need for bilingual speakers. Many workforces, like hospitals and nursing homes, find it crucial to have a translator on staff at all times. Most people do not need a special degree or schooling to be a translator just to be fluent in both languages (Proctor 81). Bilinguals have many job opportunities being employed, as a much needed translator. In conclusion, all Americans should learn to speak Spanish because of the cognitive skills, literacy development, and social benefits. Spanish speakers in the United States are growing each year, so the United States has incorporated translations on signs and products, but that simply isn’t enough to communicate with the millions of Spanish speakers in America. The people of America need to be able to communicate with these speakers, but also they need to know the number of benefits that coincide with bilingualism. Teaching Spanish to every American will help the people with thinking processes and literacy skills and the America society communicate and find jobs.