New study shows it pays to be bilingual
in U.S
Updated: Sat, Oct 17 2015, 06:32 PM | Ryan Hill
18
EL PASO, Texas – When applying for a job, finding a way to separate one's self from the pack is
critical. A recent study by the Civil Rights Project at UCLA and the Educational Testing Service
found those of immigrant backgrounds who are bilingual have the upper hand in the job market.
Dr. Gilberto Sot of Texas A&M University says, “You know we live in a global world and we truly
believe bilingual education is so essential to our kids. (It's) no longer just a luxury."
The study called "Is There Really A Labor Market Advantage To Being Bilingual In The US?" shows
those who speak, read and write in both English and - as the study calls -the language of home earn
more than those only speak one language, as much as $5,000 more.
El Pasoans see learning to be bilingual definitely has its perks.
"For someone to be bilingual I think it's important. No just important to you but important to your daily
life. It helps you in your future here if you want to get a job,” says Jorge Bundia.
The UCLA study states since 1980 the number of other than English language speakers has grown
from 23 million to nearly 60 million. People think it's a skill the younger generations of El Pasoans
are learning.
"Just even in our area, we have the dual language program. I think it's great because it's actually
taking advantage of the window of when children are younger,” says Christy Rago.
“It's easier for some kids to pick a second language so I highly support it."
Dr. Gilberto Soto hope bilingual education continues so younger Americans don't fall behind with the
rest of world.
He says, "While we are actually arguing whether or not English will be the only language for our
schools, the rest of the world are training their kids in two, three or more languages,”
“So our future generations are going to be at a disadvantage if they are not able to speak two or
three languages."