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What We Want
Vision: The World Language Program will give our students and our community a broader perspective of our global society and the skills needed to function effectively within it.
Mission: The mission of the World Language Program is that students learn to communicate effectively and appropriately in a language other than the student’s own.
What We Know
The study of a language- Helps to expand your view of the world and encourages critical reflection on the relation between language and culture, and language and thought,
- Expands your opportunities for meaningful leisure activities (such as travel, viewing foreign language films, watching foreign TV programs, and reading material in another language),
- Develops your intellect (encouraging good learning habits, memorization, and by combining course content and skills in a meaningful way), improves knowledge of the native language (through comparison and contrast with the foreign language),
- Exposes you to modes of thought and viewpoints that are available only in the foreign language and its culture,
- Helps to build practical skills that may be used in other disciplines,
- Fosters your understanding of the interrelation between language and human nature,
- Teaches and encourages respect for other ethnic groups,
- Contributes to the development of your personality, and
- Contributes to the achievement of national goals, such as economic development or national security.
- All students can benefit from world language instruction. A variety of proficiency activities involving all language modalities will develop language skills that will benefit every student.
- Instruction including perspectives from other countries will help students increase tolerance of cultural differences in a global society.
- In both our increasingly pluralistic American society and abroad, the student will be equipped with a background of linguistic and cultural exposure and will develop cultural sensitivity that will enable him or her to socially interact in a positive way.
- The study of World Languages enhances the student’s understanding of his or her own first language.
- The study of World Languages is an important part of a complete education. It engages students in individual and group activities, and develops creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking.
- Students with World Language skills will be better equipped for careers and jobs in a global economy.
