Should a foreign language be required for all students at the university? Why? Express your opinion on this issue. Don't forget to read your peers' postings and respond to them.
Yes, foreign language should be a requirement for all students at university because of many reasons. First of all there are many health benefits to studying a foreign language and these benefits are not only for those who started studying a foreign language as a child.
If you would like to learn more about some of these Health benefits copy the link I have posted below to a TED Ed video which is only about 5 minutes long but will provide great insight on my argument:
TED Ed, The benefits of a bilingual brain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMmOLN5zBLY
I recently showed this video in all of my French classes during the first week of school to provide them either with support for their own personal reasons for studying French (or a foreign language) or to provide them with a reason to continue furthering their education in the language. Some of the health benefits discussed are that people who are bilingual actually are proven to delay the early onset of Alzheimer's and dementia by up to 5 years. This little known fact by students may not seem like a big deal because speaking personally my target age is high schoolers so who cares about Alzheimer's or dementia at 16 years old? Yet, these are two diseases that lead to great amount of damage on a family and individual in the later years of their lives. If studying a different language provides support in fighting these diseases count me in!
As important as the mental health of all students and people in general may be, there are other reasons why all students at the university should be studying a foreign language. The main reason for the importance stems from a general ignorance that the United States is an English speaking country and as one of the most powerful countries in the world, everybody should be just like us. Well, although there United States may do many things right, this blind ignorance is quite an issue. There are cultural benefits to studying a foreign language because if you were to base all opinions off of what you know to be true in a small town in the middle of the woods, in your small county up north in the small state of New Hampshire, within the greater New England region, within the United States... you see where I'm going with this, You would not necessarily be thinking in the same way as other people who do not live in your general geographic location but until somebody shows you or a student at a university that you think this way but other people think this way and here's why, you would again be ignorant to an entire people's way of thinking. A foreign language is not just a foreign language because to some people it is not foreign at all, in fact it is simply called a language or the state or national language of their geographic location. This study of another people's language opens up your mind to think in ways that you never knew were possible, this study creates within you a greater appreciation for what these people stand for, have overcome, or face on a daily basis due to their beliefs, customs and history. A language is a living and breathing body of speakers and writers and without them the language would die, studying a foreign language does not only benefit you but also you become a benefit to that language, its people and its culture.
If nothing else, universities have an opportunity to set a prime example to the world that languages and their study are a method toward understanding, mutual respect and possibly some futuristic idea of peace in this world. But understanding and mutual respect do not stem from ignorance, they are a result of hard work and effort to expand on one's own ideas of what is perceived as in fact, true.
I have seen the bilingual brain video in past classes and I completely agree! Learning languages has been shown to be very beneficial to someones health. I also agree that learning foreign languages increases awareness of the other cultures in the world. America has the stereotype of being ignorant and not caring about what is going on in countries that do not directly benefit us. Teaching university students to not only respect but care about the other cultures and countries around the world will help these students see the importance in these smaller countries.
I’m curious to know about how your French students reacted to the TED video you showed them. Were they surprised about the health benefits of studying a foreign language? Did the video seem to help them internalize the importance behind why they are studying a language in the first place?
Furthermore, I agree with the point you brought up in regards to the idea that learning a language allows people to interpret experiences through other lenses and, in a way, reduces ignorance. Like you said, forming opinions based only on what an individual knows to be true is not necessarily representative of all viewpoints. Learning a language, then, challenges individuals to question what they know and be more sympathetic to other views.
I love the way you described your classroom approach, and it shows how introspective and realistic your teaching style must be. Your commentary on the United States' age-old-problem of, why should I care is essential to both fighting the problem at hand, and in being a successful teacher. What hit me the most was your use of the Alzheimer's statistic, as it truly emphasized the depth of the problem we are getting ourselves into if we do not push ourselves and others to learn multiple languages during our lifetime and beyond. Also like Candace mentioned, I am excited to find out how your students reacted to the TED video as well!
I liked your reference to "blind ignorance" associated with the United States in terms of linguistic competence. Many Americans believe that because the United States is a global leader, they therefore do not need to learn a language because many people around the world speak English and ones that don't should learn. This is the wrong way to think, in my opinion, because aside from the fact that people are not able to communicate with people from other countries that don't speak English, there is a lack of understanding on a sociological level of foreign cultures. Great post!
There is no doubt in my mind that language study courses at the collegiate level are not only necessary, but are extremely beneficial to all students, not only those who came to college in the hopes of increasing their fluency in a language or two! Language is what connects us as an international community, as well as a species, even if how we communicate differs from place to place, and so it is such an incredible opportunity at this time in our lives. We meet people everyday, learn new things constantly, and are putting ourselves up to challenges as large as leaving our homes, becoming independent, and exploring the world we live in for ourselves, often for the first time. By encouraging and mandating language courses at the university, we are giving students the tools to do just this. Language pushes the boundaries of what we know as individuals, it relates us to everyone, allows us to express ourselves, and take chances. Everybody has experienced times where there is something new, something unusual and foreign in our lives, and have had to change the way we think about things. It doesn't matter if someone doesn't like learning a language, it's not about that in the slightest. Sure, language skills allow Business majors to access pools of new clients, and can benefit teachers, lawyers, doctors, and all the like. But what makes language courses important isn't necessarily just the material covered, the verbs and verb forms memorized, and tests endured. Language and everything it represents as a social tool, a gift, a cultural mark, and/or an art, is what allows us to expand our minds and become open to new ideas, new places, new people! It makes us reflect on ourselves, our actions, and our own world that we've been living in, which so many young minds desperately need to learn to do. Economist or Engineer, Dance studies major or Environmental Conservationist, self-reflection on our own progress in order to progress, is what drives us during our time in school, and beyond. The skills we acquire in language courses, be them foreign or our own, are not something we just lose as time goes by. Old friendships, the memories from our weekends, our professor's faces, and facts and bits of classes and subjects taken will fade and be lost. I know I won't remember some of the vocab taught to me through native speaking friends, numbers and statistics will change, and word significance and grammars will change and transform as social pressure and cultural values evolve, leaving the current language in the dust. This is a fact. Yet, I will never forget how to evolve with it. To grow from trying new things, accepting change and difference, as well as respecting it and the reasons behind that change. Language allows us to be current, to be related to, approachable, open, and will make us sponges for so much more information and experience in our lives. So in saying this, any university that doesn't require language for students is behind in the game.
I think you hit the nail right on the head in your last paragraph. The lessons learned through learning a language are not stagnant they are not specific to a subject. The lessons learned can be transferred across many aspects of life. Never forget how to evolve, never forget how to accept change and never stop being open and soaking up life like a sponge.
I completely agree that language is what connects people all over the world. It is very useful in the real world not just in a class room setting. Learning a new language even at the university level will expose students to a wide array of cultures, people, and experiences. As we grow through learning a language we grow as individuals and in my opinion this growth as a person is the most valuable thing that can come out of time spend at a university.
What you discussed in your last paragraph is a great description and summarization of why a foreign language should be required by the university but also of why learning another language is important in general. The evolution of language, as you’ve stated, is unique and does, in my opinion, teach language learners to reflect on their native language(s), their selves, and on the significance of change and growth in life. I agree with what you said and how you’ve framed language learning as a process involving lessons on change.
I agree with your idea that language can do to change us as individuals in many ways, especially in how we perceive new ideas and concepts. I think that languages allows us to think in complex ways, and that can manifest from something as simple as realizing that languages will never always translate into how we want to express ourselves. Yet we find ways to express ourselves in a different language that can't translate to one's own mother tongue, but the brain can understand the concept of its meaning. Also schools that don't support the idea of their students studying another language are certainly causing more harm than good to them.
A foreign language should be required for all students at the university because, in short, learning a new language is one way for society to progress towards establishing a more cooperative and understanding environment with a globally-focused citizenry.
What exactly do I mean by this? The “Five Cs” mentioned in our textbook reading for this week actually line up fairly well with parts of my own educational philosophy as a prospective high school Spanish teacher in addition to the main reason I support a foreign language requirement for all students. Although the first “C,” stressing the development of language competence or proficiency, might be viewed as the most important, I would argue that gaining knowledge of other cultures is the best reason for requiring students to take a language. Learning a language isn’t just about prescriptive grammar rules and verb conjugations. In fact, I would go so far as to say that lessons in acceptance of diversity and cultural awareness are among the greatest gifts learning a foreign language can give to students.
According to current university policy, students at the University of New Hampshire must complete the university’s foreign language requirement if they are completing a Bachelor of Arts degree. More specifically, the foreign language requirement is fulfilled by either two semesters of a language at the introductory level, a semester of review combined with a semester of an intermediate level language course, or one semester of a language course at either the intermediate level or a higher level. To me, this is evidence that there’s no reason for Bachelor of Science degree candidates to not take a foreign language given the one or two semester commitment.
Often times, languages serve to bridge the gap between cultures. It is my hope that future students will leave my classroom with a greater appreciation for the many cultures of the world. Requiring a language at the university would enhance this appreciation along with the educational goals and character of all students.
I also touched upon the idea of cultural acceptance in my response. I really enjoyed the way that you dove into the UNH policy for students, but where you lost me is that do or do no Bachelor of Science students have the same requirement as Bachelor of Arts students? Are the BoS student's required to fulfill a language requirement?
Unfortunately, students completing Bachelor of Science degrees are not required to take a foreign language at UNH. It is my understanding that this is partially due to the fact that Bachelor of Science degrees typically involve more course requirements.
I find that the opportunity to study and learn about a new culture to be a very important aspect of learning a language, because it allows one to understand some of the expressions and reasoning to the structure of the language. I find that there are many students that do not take full advantage of their time while attending to study another language. It's a shame really. I find that since there are so many programs in the CIE that allows UNH students to study abroad and with the number of different languages available here to study, it seems like they are missing out on something truly beneficial for them.
I agree whole-heartedly with Kevin's standpoint. Regardless of course-loads for any given major or school, all students should be given the opportunity to go abroad, not only for the enjoyment of it (which many students do) but because it may give them another perspective to view the world from. There are so many mathematical and computer languages as well nowadays, that even if you are focusing on a career path based in numbers and statistics, rather than sounds and syllables, a language study relates to so much more than we know. Take Analytical linguistics and conjugating, both familiar terms to our COLA language and linguistic students, but then at the base they come out to be formula driven, through action and reactions to said operation, with rules, patterns, and measurable change as more variables are added. Just because someone chose to be on one side of the looking glass, doesn't mean they shouldn't be given the opportunity to see through to the other.
I talked about this in my post as well. Enriching students knowledge of foreign cultures comes through the learning of a foreign language, which creates a sense of appreciation for these cultures, which most people would not normally achieve, perhaps only through traveling a lot internationally. I believe appreciation and tolerance of foreign cultures to be necessary moving forward in today's society, no matter which industry a student pursues in their career.
I believe that foreign languages should be required for all students at the university because I believe that learning another language or studying another language enlarges the perspective one has about the world. Also due to the fact that we are becoming an international society, in that now we are competing for jobs not only against those of our own country, but we are also competing on a global scale. Meaning that those that are able to display the ability to speak more than one language to be sought after in the work environment.
Studying another language should be required due to how it educates us on other cultures and will impact our perspectives on how we view the world. While studying another language to understand some words or expressions within the language you need to understand its context, which is usually understood while reading about some cultural customs.
Another reason that learning a second language should required is that most language programs that we have UNH have study abroad programs all over the world. The students would benefit greatly from being able to study for a semester or year abroad, while focusing on learning the country's official language, and being able to experience the culture from a first person perspective. You can read as much as you want about cultural customs, rituals, and holidays, but nothing can compare with real-life experience. I believe that is where students will benefit most from being required to study a foreign language.
Brilliant! Take the UNH study abroad approach! If universities want to increase their enrollment in their programs a requirement to study a language possibly partnered with an actively engaged advisor department could take the study abroad experience and the entire university experience to another level unique to that school. Another great point is the international society, in years to come in order to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow being able to speak a second language will make that resume fly to the top of the stack when it comes down to the wire.
I agree with what you’ve said about students benefiting from studying abroad and learning a language in preparation to go abroad. Although some study abroad programs at UNH have a language requirement as a prerequisite, many do not and I wonder how the study abroad experience is different for students who have never studied the language(s) spoken in the country they’re travelling to. I would think that having a language requirement would positively affect a study abroad experience since the student would be spending time getting ready for the trip by studying a little about the language and cultures beforehand.
I agree with Tim, haha you should work as an advertisement manager for the COLA study abroad office. But regardless, you are one hundred percent right. I feel so many people take time to visit other countries, which is awesome!! BUT their reasons for going somewhere can be anything from financial situations to the ...."Because I wanted to go there or something and not be at my college" type of responses, and not always given the best preparation. I feel that, even if you are not a COLA student, everyone should be required to have some prior knowledge and training to go abroad, like you say, because they won't reap the maximum benefit of the trip. Going to Spain or Germany because the drinking age is lower than the U.S. and going because you now know bits and pieces of the language, you want to see what they do when they party, how they do it, when, and why are two very different options, but only one should be reason to study abroad in the first place.
Kevin, I also agree that language is a great way to broaden students cultural awareness. Traveling and studying abroad is a great experience and those who speak at least a bit of the language of the country they are going to will get even more from the experience then just "time away from school." Traveling abroad benefits these students greatly not just on a educational level but a personal one as well. Making a foreign language a requirement will create more interest in studying abroad.
I couldn't agree more with your regarding how important knowing a second language is, especially once outside of the university. My sister works as a nurse in Boston and due to the fact that she speaks Spanish, she is much more versatile on the job because she can communicate with a large group of people that require interpreters in many conversational situations. This can be related to any profession; business, finance, marketing, healthcare, tourism, law, etc. Also, the added cultural and linguistic perspectives one obtains through learning a language is very advantageous in terms of travel and profession.
As I have progressed with my learning of Spanish, I have seen the incredible benefits that come with being proficient in the language. In today’s world, due to the fact that we live in a global society, the knowledge of a foreign language is an invaluavble resource, no matter what profession one has. I strongly believe that learning a foreign languae at the university level should be required across the board. Last year, i had the opportunity to work as an instructor of Spanish 401/402 at UNH, and I had the pleasure to witness the advancement of my students. All of my students except for one were taking my Spanish class in order to satisfy the university’s language credit, and most of them did not seem excited about taking my class. However, throughout the progression of the class, my students began to understand the importance behind learning a foreign language. After having this revelation, my students were able to think of examples of how they could use Spanish in their jobs someday.
In today’s world economy, the use of a foreign language is something that can benefit someone on a daily basis. The ability to connect with different groups of people around the globe who one would not be able to communicate with unless knowing a foreign language is vital. Also, I believe that when people learn a language, they become educated on foreingn cultures. This type of learning can serve one well. As immigration surges in our country, knowledge and understanding of another’s cultural roots can be very beneficial when coming into contact with someone.
Rob, being able to have the incredible opportunity, that we have, to teach a foreign language and see this transformation from complete disinterest to daily or future intentional application is quite remarkable. Having the opportunity to live this revelation is something that I agree with you, that in today's economy is essential to the 21st century college and university experience. Immigration is another great point! As immigration rises cultural "open-mindedness" if you will or cultural acceptance will need to increase in turn, without it... we may return to the olden days of hanging signs at the front door of businesses saying "(insert nationality here) need not apply" much like what occurred to the Irish decades ago.
I find it interesting that both of you have had experience with helping students to discover the importance of learning another language. As Robert said, most students in Spanish 401/402 are taking the course to complete the language requirement but it’s good to hear that they were able to make connections between Spanish and their future jobs.
To the point about immigration, I’d like to mention that one of the reasons I’m convinced that teaching cultural awareness should be a pillar of foreign language education is because of the politicized stigma surrounding languages and “foreign” cultures. For example, I’ve studied the struggles of English language learners (students who do not speak English as their native language and are currently navigating the public school system) and concluded that anti-immigration sentiment is having a huge impact on the achievement gap as it relates to these students. In short, I believe that clearing up the negative stigmas on language and culture in foreign language classrooms is one way to combat the strong anti-immigrant views of some U.S. citizens.
You couldn't have put it any better. The issue we have in this country with stigmatization of race, of ethnicity, and of language background especially is what is competing with our ability to encourage language growth among students. We need to teach our students, and others as well, in the work place, the home, and so on, that speaking a language different than what most are speaking doesn't and shouldn't make your life harder than it has to be, and nothing is lost by gaining more knowledge of languages in general.
But what really gets me upset is when I see students, even on our campus who are ESOL and do not feel comfortable enough to reach out for help with their language skills or do not care enough to do so, even if they are given the opportunity to by students and staff. UNH, from my view is blossoming into a much more caring community than most (obviously ; ] ) and I see more and more international based students reaching out to fellow domestic students for directions, for help, and to learn from them. We, in the U.S. need to feel comfortable taking the time to assist ESOL citizens and visitors, because in the end, we know no more of their language than them ours. It is like what is Kevin is saying in his comments above, if they have no prior training or knowledge before coming here they won't get as much out of coming here. But we have to expect that and great it not with hostility, but with openness and patience, considering what situation we might be stuck in someday!
Learning a foreign language has many benefits. Making it a requirement at the university level will improve the language skills that students may have picked up in high school. Many High schools have a 2-year foreign language requirement but this is not enough to give these students a complete understanding of the language. To become proficient in a language the student would need to study for more then 2 years. Exposer to this language in college will allow them to understand language more deeply. Foreign languages have the ability to open doors and create career opportunities. I feel that there are no disadvantages to learning a new language even at the university level. Language is a key part of culture. Learning a new language can widen ones understanding of a different and new culture. This understanding will make students appreciate more what they have and may even spark an interest in these new places. Knowing languages helps break down boundaries that not speaking the language can build up. Requiring students to take a foreign language will also increase the likely hood that they will want to study abroad. If a student is traveling to a country and has even a small amount of understanding in this country’s language doors will be opened. The students will be able to communicate more effectively and have a more cultured experience. Teaching college aged students to look at the world differently through the use of languages will expand their knowledge and their outlook on societies around the world. Studying abroad and requiring college level foreign language is great for the growth of these college students as individuals.
Reading your post made me consider another reason to require a language at UNH. If UNH believes that completing foreign language courses in high school is important enough to be required for admission to the school, then why wouldn’t the university require all students to continue language study at the college level? As you’ve said, exposing students to a language at UNH will either deepen their understanding if they continue with the same language they took in high school or broaden their language skills if they choose to start an entirely new language.
Additionally, I agree with the last point you brought up about languages facilitating individual growth. Above all, I think that languages are a way in which students can build on their studies and improve their ability to positively interact with the world.
Great post, Kelly! I think that studying a foreign language at the university level expands on what a student did in high school. Also, I believe that when students get to the university level, they take their work and classes more seriously, which therefore creates a better learning experience. During my teaching experience last year in 401/402, many students became more and more fascinated as the class progressed, and some students showed interest in studying abroad, like you referenced in your post.
I definitely recognize and appreciate the potential positivity of having a foreign language class be required for all students at this university. However I tend to play the pessimist. I think that a better question would be: should the United States Department of Education provide more foreign languages before the college level schooling? When I was in Costa Rica this past summer I would spend time in Hostels on the weekends and I met tons of travelers who were learning how to speak their 3rd or 4th languages and of course it is because they start learning other languages at a very young age compared to when children in the United States are introduced to it. A common theme that is ostensible throughout this discussion is the idea that learning another language relates with learning another culture and this is good because we are enabled to be more open minded and having a more profound understanding of the world we live in. I completely agree with this theme but I think that the intention it carries would be much more effective if foreign languages were implemented earlier in the lives of our children rather than forcing a bunch of sheltered, privileged, unicultural, upper class, white kids whose frontal lobes are almost finished developing to fulfill a general credit. I understand that I am generalizing hard which may be controversial but I am just spilling my thoughts. I also understand that taking the glass half full mentality is great which is why I still obviously encourage the foreign language requirement to all students.
Yes, foreign language should be a requirement for all students at university because of many reasons. First of all there are many health benefits to studying a foreign language and these benefits are not only for those who started studying a foreign language as a child.
ReplyDeleteIf you would like to learn more about some of these Health benefits copy the link I have posted below to a TED Ed video which is only about 5 minutes long but will provide great insight on my argument:
TED Ed, The benefits of a bilingual brain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMmOLN5zBLY
I recently showed this video in all of my French classes during the first week of school to provide them either with support for their own personal reasons for studying French (or a foreign language) or to provide them with a reason to continue furthering their education in the language. Some of the health benefits discussed are that people who are bilingual actually are proven to delay the early onset of Alzheimer's and dementia by up to 5 years. This little known fact by students may not seem like a big deal because speaking personally my target age is high schoolers so who cares about Alzheimer's or dementia at 16 years old? Yet, these are two diseases that lead to great amount of damage on a family and individual in the later years of their lives. If studying a different language provides support in fighting these diseases count me in!
As important as the mental health of all students and people in general may be, there are other reasons why all students at the university should be studying a foreign language. The main reason for the importance stems from a general ignorance that the United States is an English speaking country and as one of the most powerful countries in the world, everybody should be just like us. Well, although there United States may do many things right, this blind ignorance is quite an issue. There are cultural benefits to studying a foreign language because if you were to base all opinions off of what you know to be true in a small town in the middle of the woods, in your small county up north in the small state of New Hampshire, within the greater New England region, within the United States... you see where I'm going with this, You would not necessarily be thinking in the same way as other people who do not live in your general geographic location but until somebody shows you or a student at a university that you think this way but other people think this way and here's why, you would again be ignorant to an entire people's way of thinking.
A foreign language is not just a foreign language because to some people it is not foreign at all, in fact it is simply called a language or the state or national language of their geographic location. This study of another people's language opens up your mind to think in ways that you never knew were possible, this study creates within you a greater appreciation for what these people stand for, have overcome, or face on a daily basis due to their beliefs, customs and history. A language is a living and breathing body of speakers and writers and without them the language would die, studying a foreign language does not only benefit you but also you become a benefit to that language, its people and its culture.
If nothing else, universities have an opportunity to set a prime example to the world that languages and their study are a method toward understanding, mutual respect and possibly some futuristic idea of peace in this world. But understanding and mutual respect do not stem from ignorance, they are a result of hard work and effort to expand on one's own ideas of what is perceived as in fact, true.
I have seen the bilingual brain video in past classes and I completely agree! Learning languages has been shown to be very beneficial to someones health. I also agree that learning foreign languages increases awareness of the other cultures in the world. America has the stereotype of being ignorant and not caring about what is going on in countries that do not directly benefit us. Teaching university students to not only respect but care about the other cultures and countries around the world will help these students see the importance in these smaller countries.
DeleteTim,
DeleteI’m curious to know about how your French students reacted to the TED video you showed them. Were they surprised about the health benefits of studying a foreign language? Did the video seem to help them internalize the importance behind why they are studying a language in the first place?
Furthermore, I agree with the point you brought up in regards to the idea that learning a language allows people to interpret experiences through other lenses and, in a way, reduces ignorance. Like you said, forming opinions based only on what an individual knows to be true is not necessarily representative of all viewpoints. Learning a language, then, challenges individuals to question what they know and be more sympathetic to other views.
Tim,
DeleteI love the way you described your classroom approach, and it shows how introspective and realistic your teaching style must be. Your commentary on the United States' age-old-problem of, why should I care is essential to both fighting the problem at hand, and in being a successful teacher. What hit me the most was your use of the Alzheimer's statistic, as it truly emphasized the depth of the problem we are getting ourselves into if we do not push ourselves and others to learn multiple languages during our lifetime and beyond. Also like Candace mentioned, I am excited to find out how your students reacted to the TED video as well!
Tim,
DeleteI liked your reference to "blind ignorance" associated with the United States in terms of linguistic competence. Many Americans believe that because the United States is a global leader, they therefore do not need to learn a language because many people around the world speak English and ones that don't should learn. This is the wrong way to think, in my opinion, because aside from the fact that people are not able to communicate with people from other countries that don't speak English, there is a lack of understanding on a sociological level of foreign cultures. Great post!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt in my mind that language study courses at the collegiate level are not only necessary, but are extremely beneficial to all students, not only those who came to college in the hopes of increasing their fluency in a language or two! Language is what connects us as an international community, as well as a species, even if how we communicate differs from place to place, and so it is such an incredible opportunity at this time in our lives. We meet people everyday, learn new things constantly, and are putting ourselves up to challenges as large as leaving our homes, becoming independent, and exploring the world we live in for ourselves, often for the first time. By encouraging and mandating language courses at the university, we are giving students the tools to do just this. Language pushes the boundaries of what we know as individuals, it relates us to everyone, allows us to express ourselves, and take chances. Everybody has experienced times where there is something new, something unusual and foreign in our lives, and have had to change the way we think about things. It doesn't matter if someone doesn't like learning a language, it's not about that in the slightest. Sure, language skills allow Business majors to access pools of new clients, and can benefit teachers, lawyers, doctors, and all the like. But what makes language courses important isn't necessarily just the material covered, the verbs and verb forms memorized, and tests endured.
ReplyDeleteLanguage and everything it represents as a social tool, a gift, a cultural mark, and/or an art, is what allows us to expand our minds and become open to new ideas, new places, new people! It makes us reflect on ourselves, our actions, and our own world that we've been living in, which so many young minds desperately need to learn to do. Economist or Engineer, Dance studies major or Environmental Conservationist, self-reflection on our own progress in order to progress, is what drives us during our time in school, and beyond.
The skills we acquire in language courses, be them foreign or our own, are not something we just lose as time goes by. Old friendships, the memories from our weekends, our professor's faces, and facts and bits of classes and subjects taken will fade and be lost. I know I won't remember some of the vocab taught to me through native speaking friends, numbers and statistics will change, and word significance and grammars will change and transform as social pressure and cultural values evolve, leaving the current language in the dust. This is a fact. Yet, I will never forget how to evolve with it. To grow from trying new things, accepting change and difference, as well as respecting it and the reasons behind that change. Language allows us to be current, to be related to, approachable, open, and will make us sponges for so much more information and experience in our lives. So in saying this, any university that doesn't require language for students is behind in the game.
I think you hit the nail right on the head in your last paragraph. The lessons learned through learning a language are not stagnant they are not specific to a subject. The lessons learned can be transferred across many aspects of life. Never forget how to evolve, never forget how to accept change and never stop being open and soaking up life like a sponge.
DeleteI completely agree that language is what connects people all over the world. It is very useful in the real world not just in a class room setting. Learning a new language even at the university level will expose students to a wide array of cultures, people, and experiences. As we grow through learning a language we grow as individuals and in my opinion this growth as a person is the most valuable thing that can come out of time spend at a university.
DeleteMorgan,
DeleteWhat you discussed in your last paragraph is a great description and summarization of why a foreign language should be required by the university but also of why learning another language is important in general. The evolution of language, as you’ve stated, is unique and does, in my opinion, teach language learners to reflect on their native language(s), their selves, and on the significance of change and growth in life. I agree with what you said and how you’ve framed language learning as a process involving lessons on change.
Morgan,
DeleteI agree with your idea that language can do to change us as individuals in many ways, especially in how we perceive new ideas and concepts. I think that languages allows us to think in complex ways, and that can manifest from something as simple as realizing that languages will never always translate into how we want to express ourselves. Yet we find ways to express ourselves in a different language that can't translate to one's own mother tongue, but the brain can understand the concept of its meaning. Also schools that don't support the idea of their students studying another language are certainly causing more harm than good to them.
A foreign language should be required for all students at the university because, in short, learning a new language is one way for society to progress towards establishing a more cooperative and understanding environment with a globally-focused citizenry.
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly do I mean by this? The “Five Cs” mentioned in our textbook reading for this week actually line up fairly well with parts of my own educational philosophy as a prospective high school Spanish teacher in addition to the main reason I support a foreign language requirement for all students. Although the first “C,” stressing the development of language competence or proficiency, might be viewed as the most important, I would argue that gaining knowledge of other cultures is the best reason for requiring students to take a language. Learning a language isn’t just about prescriptive grammar rules and verb conjugations. In fact, I would go so far as to say that lessons in acceptance of diversity and cultural awareness are among the greatest gifts learning a foreign language can give to students.
According to current university policy, students at the University of New Hampshire must complete the university’s foreign language requirement if they are completing a Bachelor of Arts degree. More specifically, the foreign language requirement is fulfilled by either two semesters of a language at the introductory level, a semester of review combined with a semester of an intermediate level language course, or one semester of a language course at either the intermediate level or a higher level. To me, this is evidence that there’s no reason for Bachelor of Science degree candidates to not take a foreign language given the one or two semester commitment.
Often times, languages serve to bridge the gap between cultures. It is my hope that future students will leave my classroom with a greater appreciation for the many cultures of the world. Requiring a language at the university would enhance this appreciation along with the educational goals and character of all students.
I also touched upon the idea of cultural acceptance in my response. I really enjoyed the way that you dove into the UNH policy for students, but where you lost me is that do or do no Bachelor of Science students have the same requirement as Bachelor of Arts students? Are the BoS student's required to fulfill a language requirement?
DeleteTim,
DeleteUnfortunately, students completing Bachelor of Science degrees are not required to take a foreign language at UNH. It is my understanding that this is partially due to the fact that Bachelor of Science degrees typically involve more course requirements.
Candace,
DeleteI find that the opportunity to study and learn about a new culture to be a very important aspect of learning a language, because it allows one to understand some of the expressions and reasoning to the structure of the language. I find that there are many students that do not take full advantage of their time while attending to study another language. It's a shame really. I find that since there are so many programs in the CIE that allows UNH students to study abroad and with the number of different languages available here to study, it seems like they are missing out on something truly beneficial for them.
Candace, & Kevin,
DeleteI agree whole-heartedly with Kevin's standpoint. Regardless of course-loads for any given major or school, all students should be given the opportunity to go abroad, not only for the enjoyment of it (which many students do) but because it may give them another perspective to view the world from. There are so many mathematical and computer languages as well nowadays, that even if you are focusing on a career path based in numbers and statistics, rather than sounds and syllables, a language study relates to so much more than we know. Take Analytical linguistics and conjugating, both familiar terms to our COLA language and linguistic students, but then at the base they come out to be formula driven, through action and reactions to said operation, with rules, patterns, and measurable change as more variables are added. Just because someone chose to be on one side of the looking glass, doesn't mean they shouldn't be given the opportunity to see through to the other.
I talked about this in my post as well. Enriching students knowledge of foreign cultures comes through the learning of a foreign language, which creates a sense of appreciation for these cultures, which most people would not normally achieve, perhaps only through traveling a lot internationally. I believe appreciation and tolerance of foreign cultures to be necessary moving forward in today's society, no matter which industry a student pursues in their career.
DeleteI believe that foreign languages should be required for all students at the university because I believe that learning another language or studying another language enlarges the perspective one has about the world. Also due to the fact that we are becoming an international society, in that now we are competing for jobs not only against those of our own country, but we are also competing on a global scale. Meaning that those that are able to display the ability to speak more than one language to be sought after in the work environment.
ReplyDeleteStudying another language should be required due to how it educates us on other cultures and will impact our perspectives on how we view the world. While studying another language to understand some words or expressions within the language you need to understand its context, which is usually understood while reading about some cultural customs.
Another reason that learning a second language should required is that most language programs that we have UNH have study abroad programs all over the world. The students would benefit greatly from being able to study for a semester or year abroad, while focusing on learning the country's official language, and being able to experience the culture from a first person perspective. You can read as much as you want about cultural customs, rituals, and holidays, but nothing can compare with real-life experience. I believe that is where students will benefit most from being required to study a foreign language.
Brilliant! Take the UNH study abroad approach! If universities want to increase their enrollment in their programs a requirement to study a language possibly partnered with an actively engaged advisor department could take the study abroad experience and the entire university experience to another level unique to that school.
DeleteAnother great point is the international society, in years to come in order to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow being able to speak a second language will make that resume fly to the top of the stack when it comes down to the wire.
Kevin,
DeleteI agree with what you’ve said about students benefiting from studying abroad and learning a language in preparation to go abroad. Although some study abroad programs at UNH have a language requirement as a prerequisite, many do not and I wonder how the study abroad experience is different for students who have never studied the language(s) spoken in the country they’re travelling to. I would think that having a language requirement would positively affect a study abroad experience since the student would be spending time getting ready for the trip by studying a little about the language and cultures beforehand.
Kevin,
DeleteI agree with Tim, haha you should work as an advertisement manager for the COLA study abroad office. But regardless, you are one hundred percent right. I feel so many people take time to visit other countries, which is awesome!! BUT their reasons for going somewhere can be anything from financial situations to the ...."Because I wanted to go there or something and not be at my college" type of responses, and not always given the best preparation. I feel that, even if you are not a COLA student, everyone should be required to have some prior knowledge and training to go abroad, like you say, because they won't reap the maximum benefit of the trip. Going to Spain or Germany because the drinking age is lower than the U.S. and going because you now know bits and pieces of the language, you want to see what they do when they party, how they do it, when, and why are two very different options, but only one should be reason to study abroad in the first place.
Kevin,
DeleteI also agree that language is a great way to broaden students cultural awareness. Traveling and studying abroad is a great experience and those who speak at least a bit of the language of the country they are going to will get even more from the experience then just "time away from school." Traveling abroad benefits these students greatly not just on a educational level but a personal one as well. Making a foreign language a requirement will create more interest in studying abroad.
Kevin,
DeleteI couldn't agree more with your regarding how important knowing a second language is, especially once outside of the university. My sister works as a nurse in Boston and due to the fact that she speaks Spanish, she is much more versatile on the job because she can communicate with a large group of people that require interpreters in many conversational situations. This can be related to any profession; business, finance, marketing, healthcare, tourism, law, etc. Also, the added cultural and linguistic perspectives one obtains through learning a language is very advantageous in terms of travel and profession.
As I have progressed with my learning of Spanish, I have seen the incredible benefits that come with being proficient in the language. In today’s world, due to the fact that we live in a global society, the knowledge of a foreign language is an invaluavble resource, no matter what profession one has. I strongly believe that learning a foreign languae at the university level should be required across the board. Last year, i had the opportunity to work as an instructor of Spanish 401/402 at UNH, and I had the pleasure to witness the advancement of my students. All of my students except for one were taking my Spanish class in order to satisfy the university’s language credit, and most of them did not seem excited about taking my class. However, throughout the progression of the class, my students began to understand the importance behind learning a foreign language. After having this revelation, my students were able to think of examples of how they could use Spanish in their jobs someday.
ReplyDeleteIn today’s world economy, the use of a foreign language is something that can benefit someone on a daily basis. The ability to connect with different groups of people around the globe who one would not be able to communicate with unless knowing a foreign language is vital. Also, I believe that when people learn a language, they become educated on foreingn cultures. This type of learning can serve one well. As immigration surges in our country, knowledge and understanding of another’s cultural roots can be very beneficial when coming into contact with someone.
Rob, being able to have the incredible opportunity, that we have, to teach a foreign language and see this transformation from complete disinterest to daily or future intentional application is quite remarkable. Having the opportunity to live this revelation is something that I agree with you, that in today's economy is essential to the 21st century college and university experience.
DeleteImmigration is another great point! As immigration rises cultural "open-mindedness" if you will or cultural acceptance will need to increase in turn, without it... we may return to the olden days of hanging signs at the front door of businesses saying "(insert nationality here) need not apply" much like what occurred to the Irish decades ago.
Robert and Tim,
DeleteI find it interesting that both of you have had experience with helping students to discover the importance of learning another language. As Robert said, most students in Spanish 401/402 are taking the course to complete the language requirement but it’s good to hear that they were able to make connections between Spanish and their future jobs.
To the point about immigration, I’d like to mention that one of the reasons I’m convinced that teaching cultural awareness should be a pillar of foreign language education is because of the politicized stigma surrounding languages and “foreign” cultures. For example, I’ve studied the struggles of English language learners (students who do not speak English as their native language and are currently navigating the public school system) and concluded that anti-immigration sentiment is having a huge impact on the achievement gap as it relates to these students. In short, I believe that clearing up the negative stigmas on language and culture in foreign language classrooms is one way to combat the strong anti-immigrant views of some U.S. citizens.
Candace,
DeleteYou couldn't have put it any better. The issue we have in this country with stigmatization of race, of ethnicity, and of language background especially is what is competing with our ability to encourage language growth among students. We need to teach our students, and others as well, in the work place, the home, and so on, that speaking a language different than what most are speaking doesn't and shouldn't make your life harder than it has to be, and nothing is lost by gaining more knowledge of languages in general.
But what really gets me upset is when I see students, even on our campus who are ESOL and do not feel comfortable enough to reach out for help with their language skills or do not care enough to do so, even if they are given the opportunity to by students and staff. UNH, from my view is blossoming into a much more caring community than most (obviously ; ] ) and I see more and more international based students reaching out to fellow domestic students for directions, for help, and to learn from them. We, in the U.S. need to feel comfortable taking the time to assist ESOL citizens and visitors, because in the end, we know no more of their language than them ours. It is like what is Kevin is saying in his comments above, if they have no prior training or knowledge before coming here they won't get as much out of coming here. But we have to expect that and great it not with hostility, but with openness and patience, considering what situation we might be stuck in someday!
ReplyDeleteLearning a foreign language has many benefits. Making it a requirement at the university level will improve the language skills that students may have picked up in high school. Many High schools have a 2-year foreign language requirement but this is not enough to give these students a complete understanding of the language. To become proficient in a language the student would need to study for more then 2 years. Exposer to this language in college will allow them to understand language more deeply.
Foreign languages have the ability to open doors and create career opportunities. I feel that there are no disadvantages to learning a new language even at the university level. Language is a key part of culture. Learning a new language can widen ones understanding of a different and new culture. This understanding will make students appreciate more what they have and may even spark an interest in these new places. Knowing languages helps break down boundaries that not speaking the language can build up. Requiring students to take a foreign language will also increase the likely hood that they will want to study abroad. If a student is traveling to a country and has even a small amount of understanding in this country’s language doors will be opened. The students will be able to communicate more effectively and have a more cultured experience. Teaching college aged students to look at the world differently through the use of languages will expand their knowledge and their outlook on societies around the world. Studying abroad and requiring college level foreign language is great for the growth of these college students as individuals.
Kelly,
DeleteReading your post made me consider another reason to require a language at UNH. If UNH believes that completing foreign language courses in high school is important enough to be required for admission to the school, then why wouldn’t the university require all students to continue language study at the college level? As you’ve said, exposing students to a language at UNH will either deepen their understanding if they continue with the same language they took in high school or broaden their language skills if they choose to start an entirely new language.
Additionally, I agree with the last point you brought up about languages facilitating individual growth. Above all, I think that languages are a way in which students can build on their studies and improve their ability to positively interact with the world.
Great post, Kelly! I think that studying a foreign language at the university level expands on what a student did in high school. Also, I believe that when students get to the university level, they take their work and classes more seriously, which therefore creates a better learning experience. During my teaching experience last year in 401/402, many students became more and more fascinated as the class progressed, and some students showed interest in studying abroad, like you referenced in your post.
DeleteI definitely recognize and appreciate the potential positivity of having a foreign language class be required for all students at this university. However I tend to play the pessimist. I think that a better question would be: should the United States Department of Education provide more foreign languages before the college level schooling? When I was in Costa Rica this past summer I would spend time in Hostels on the weekends and I met tons of travelers who were learning how to speak their 3rd or 4th languages and of course it is because they start learning other languages at a very young age compared to when children in the United States are introduced to it. A common theme that is ostensible throughout this discussion is the idea that learning another language relates with learning another culture and this is good because we are enabled to be more open minded and having a more profound understanding of the world we live in. I completely agree with this theme but I think that the intention it carries would be much more effective if foreign languages were implemented earlier in the lives of our children rather than forcing a bunch of sheltered, privileged, unicultural, upper class, white kids whose frontal lobes are almost finished developing to fulfill a general credit. I understand that I am generalizing hard which may be controversial but I am just spilling my thoughts. I also understand that taking the glass half full mentality is great which is why I still obviously encourage the foreign language requirement to all students.
ReplyDeleteMax,
DeleteI agree completely with your comments. But how young do you think we should start learning?? Just out of curiosity!?
Elementary style I think.
Delete