Why Learn a Second Language?
French | German | Italian | Spanish
Imagine going to another country and being able to understand a map or a menu at a restaurant, talk to a cab driver, ask for directions, read a local newspaper, or even discuss daily issues. Imagine making connections with people across the barriers of language, culture and history. Imagine the ways in which a student's personality and life might change when they meet and communicate with people whose cultural background differs from their culture. Imagine the difference you might make in the lives of others. Imagine the difference those people might make to you. Many students come to college looking for classes that will help them build a successful and interesting career as teachers, business people, communicators, scientists, etc. Others want to grow intellectually, to change the world, or to change themselves. Language and culture study can give students the intellectual ability to achieve their professional goals while developing a better understanding of the world.
- Helps get students ready for a globalized world.
- As companies become more international in their business, they prefer to hire people with second language skills.
- Helps students to get an international job.
- Broadens a student's experience and expands their world vision.
- Teaches and encourages respect for other cultures.
- Encourages critical reflection on the relationship of language and culture.
- Improves the knowledge of the student's own language through comparison and contrast with the foreign language.
- Contributes to cultural awareness and literacy.
- Exposes students to modes of thought outside of your native language.
- Expands opportunities for meaningful leisure activity (travel, reading, viewing foreign language films).
