Americans recognize that English is the de facto international language, and people with good English skills can get by in many international settings. On the other hand, in a world growing increasingly smaller, second language skills can be a great boon. They can build cross-cultural bridges and give people an edge in a variety of career fields. Indeed, lack of foreign language proficiency can limit one\'s chances for advancement-and keep one in a cultural cul-de-sac. As many people in America are discovering, being monolingual is no laughing matter.
美国人了解，英语就是一个实际的国际语言，若能操流利的英语，在许多国际场合都能派得上用场。另一方面当国际间的距离越变越小时，拥有第二外语能力极为有利。外语能力可以建立文化交流的桥梁，并且使人们在不同的专业领域里，占得优势。的确，缺乏外语能力不仅限制个人的擢升，并且把个人限制在文化的死胡同内。很多美国人都逐渐发现，只会一种语言，不再是一件好事了。
