1    Although the world we live in has relatively few continents, there is a great diversity of populations speaking myriads of languages. Because of increasing urbanization, international commerce, tourism, business travel and modern technology, most countries today have begun to embrace the concept of a multicultural society. And evidently, a globalized multicultural society would have to be a society that is multilingual.

2    Even though the US regards itself as the world’s melting pot, students in the US do not seem to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a second language. Most students usually study just English, or learn a second language at a stage when they are too old to acquire true native-like proficiency.

3    The importance and advantages of learning a second language continue to increase day by day. For example, the flow of immigrants of Hispanic origins into the US has resulted in a great need for Spanish translators and interpreters. Likewise for a number of other languages.

4    However, the importance of learning a second language is not merely limited to the ability to communicate with people who speak different languages. Studies have shown that second language learners achieve greater divergent thinking, creativity, and cognitive development than monolingual children. A number of studies have also shown that when students learn a second language, they have a tendency to outscore on tests of nonverbal and verbal intelligence those who are proficient in only a single language. Still other studies have indicated that the academic skills and abilities of second language learners are enhanced in mathematics, writing and reading. The capacity to communicate in another language can be a contributing factor in the overall achievement of professional and personal career goals.

5    When people learn a second language, they actually become a valuable asset to the community in which they work and live. Nowadays translators and interpreters certainly need a second or third language, but ordinary people such as waiters and office workers may also need a second language because they often hold jobs that require them to interact with people speaking other languages. The ability to speak a second language helps us break the language barrier between people with different language backgrounds.

6    As language is one of the main components of the civilization and culture of the people who speak it, learning a second language can be a comparatively easy and wonderful way of absorbing another culture. In the process of learning a second language, we are likely to appreciate the way other people live, ask questions about our own lifestyle and comprehend what role language plays in shaping our thought patterns. Often, in other languages, there are better ways to express ideas, concepts, or thoughts than in English.

7    Learning a second language can not only challenge our mind, but also enrich our soul, for it teaches us understanding, tolerance, and patience apart from the language itself. As immigration, communication, business and transportation bring people closer and closer to each other, the world is becoming a small place. When we can understand each other better, we deal with each other with more empathy and consideration.

1）And evidently, a globalized multicultural society would have to be a society that is multilingual. 

而且确定无疑的是，一个全球化的多元文化社会必将是一个多语言的社会。

此句中，would表示推测，不是will的过去式。表示推测时，would可用于谈论过去，也可用于谈论现在(语气较委婉)。又如：

You would be about 10 years old then. 

你那时大概10岁左右吧。

Every family would have some sort of trouble. 

家家都会有本难念的经。

2）A number of studies have also shown that when students learn a second language they have a tendency to outscore on tests of nonverbal and verbal intelligence those who are proficient in only a single language. 

一些研究还发现，在非言语智力测试和言语智力测试中，学习一门第二语言的学生所取得的成绩往往高于那些仅熟练掌握一门语言的学生。

本句中,动词outscore的意思是“得分超过”，其后的宾语是those who are proficient in only a single language；on tests of nonverbal and verbal intelligence则是状语。

* Read the following paragraphs until you have learned them by heart.

       However, the importance of learning a second language is not merely limited to the ability to communicate with people who speak different languages. Studies have shown that second language learners achieve greater divergent thinking, creativity, and cognitive development than monolingual children. A number of studies have also shown that when students learn a second language they have a tendency to outscore on tests of nonverbal and verbal intelligence those who are proficient in only a single language. Still other studies have indicated that the academic skills and abilities of second language learners are enhanced in mathematics, writing and reading. The capacity to communicate in another language can be a contributing factor in the overall achievement of professional and personal career goals.