JavaScript as a Foreign Language
This is a revised version of an article I posted in 2019, and just republished today.
The topic of programming and STEM education came up while talking to some friends. And, although the idea may be a bit dated, we ended up discussing an initiative in the United States to consider programming as a second language at the high school level.
In summary, the idea involves counting credits from programming classes (e.g., Coding, Computer Science, Technology) toward the foreign language requirement (e.g., Spanish, French, German).
Some states are proposing –or have already implemented– a similar initiative. Just to name a few: Kentucky and Oklahoma passed bills recognizing coding as a foreign language; Texas offers it to some students, too; and Florida ended up rejecting a similar bill after pressure from education lobbies.
I find it an interesting topic, but I’m divided about it.
On one hand, there’s a clear need in the workforce for people with technical and programming backgrounds. Learning how to code could open a path toward a career that –at least for now– offers more job security and higher salaries.
In that sense, students would be learning something directly applicable to a professional environment. Something that could help level the playing field and break down some social barriers.
On the other hand, and on a personal level, foreign languages were incredibly important to me. Being born in Spain, knowing some English and French opened doors I couldn’t have imagined: working at multinational companies, traveling the world, and connecting with new cultures and people. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without learning a foreign language.
Learning a new language builds soft skills and communication abilities that a programming class simply can’t teach. For many students, that second language they pick up in high school may never become essential; but for others, it’s a life-changing experience.
As someone who learned multiple languages in high school and later earned both a BS and an MS in Computer Science, I can clearly see the benefits on both sides.
It’s a competitive world out there, and people should take any advantage they can. Still, if I had to go back to high school and choose between Python and a foreign language, my heart tells me I’d still pick the foreign language again. It helped me connect with people, not just machines.
Author’s note: since the original version of this article was first published in 2019, several more states have moved forward with similar plans, allowing computer science credits to count as foreign language credits.
What’s your take? Do you code in Spanish and speak JavaScript? Do you think coding should count as a foreign language?