Infographics
Since its founding in 1883, the MLA has worked to promote the study and teaching of languages and literature. In challenging times, it has advocated on behalf of humanities education and workplace equity. To support these goals, the MLA is expanding its existing advocacy resources with a series of infographics that aim to draw attention to and spark meaningful discussion about important issues in language and literature study and in higher education more broadly.
Language and Literacy in the U.S.: Going in the Wrong Direction
This infographic shows how language and literacy skills in the U.S. are declining despite their value in the workforce.
- From 1992 to 2013, the percentage of 12th graders who scored below basic on reading achievement increased from 20% to 25%.1
- 80% of employers want colleges to emphasize written and oral communication skills.2
Benefits of Language Learning
This infographic shows some of the many ways that language learning and bilingualism benefit people of all ages.
- Bilingual students do better on standardized tests in math, reading, and vocabulary.3
- The onset of Alzheimer’s disease is delayed by 4–5 years in bilingual adults.4
1 humanitiesindicators.org/content/indicatordoc.aspx?i=8, Supporting Table I-1f: Percentages of 12th Graders Scoring at Reading Achievement Levels Compared with Those for Math and Science, Early 1990s/2005–2009/2013
2 www.aacu.org/sites/default/files/files/LEAP/2013_EmployerSurvey.pdf, p. 8
3 www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/10/more-languages-better-brain/381193/
4 www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/jun/12/ellen-bialystok-bilingual-brains-more-healthy
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