As someone who grew up bilingual, I think knowing another language has been invaluable to how I approach and understand the world. I disagree (fully acknowledging my bias) that learning another language is a waste of time.
However, I think high school is too late. Most people I knew in HS that started learning another language weren't super invested and didn't learn it. Not to mention that it's really hard to do at 14-18. I think kindergarden-5th grade should have the option and encouragement to be bilingual though. At that point it's remarkably easier to pick up, and I think it would increase cross-cultural awareness and empathy, a trait that seems in decline recently.
You grew up bilingual, though. For those of us speaking the same languages as our parents/community, we're not going to come even remotely close to fluency with a couple of low-level school courses.
True, though I think a mixed school where a substantial portion of the day is just held in that language (i.e. math is taught in spanish or something) can bridge it somewhat. I think I'm a bit idealistic in this area though.
Also I'd say that young kids usually pick up languages like they're nothing, and they may well communicate amongst themselves in the new language. That said, my brother and I mostly speak english to one another... so maybe not.
Could you provide examples on how being bilingual has been invaluable to you?
I am only fluent in english, I live in a neighborhood where all restaurants answer the phone in spanish but there is usually a worker who speaks english to cover for me.
How do you feel being multilingual effects the way you think?
Practically speaking: French is similar enough to latin that most SAT vocab prep was far easier. It also helped when I learned spanish, because again the two are quite similar. Spanish has been useful at several points when I spent some time building things in Latin America, I actually wouldn't have had that opportunity if I didn't speak the language.
Fluffier: Watching french language movies and listening to French language music have given me an appreciation for the culture that I don't think I'd have if I didn't speak the language. I don't think I'd have as much understanding of the western European mindset if I didn't speak a western European language. There are also some things where there's a perfect word for that thing in French and those passing moments bring me joy.
Lots of these things will be also influenced by my having grown up in Belgian culture at home, but again culture and language are so closely entwined. I am a cultural mutt, which has occasionally made me feel not quite entirely of one place or the other, but on balance has been greatly enriching.
Your comment reminded me of the concept of being a “Third Culture Kid” and makes me realize how much I just I take for granted about my experience growing up in just one culture.
However, I think high school is too late. Most people I knew in HS that started learning another language weren't super invested and didn't learn it. Not to mention that it's really hard to do at 14-18. I think kindergarden-5th grade should have the option and encouragement to be bilingual though. At that point it's remarkably easier to pick up, and I think it would increase cross-cultural awareness and empathy, a trait that seems in decline recently.