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.
I personally believe that foreign language should be required at the university level. When one studies a foreign language there is much more to be learned than just another way to communicate. Whether it is French, Chinese, Spanish, etc. there are many benefits to learning another language. As one learns a foreign language they can communicate to people around the world throughout different communities resulting in things like more integrated and diversified communities and to respect other people's culture. Aside from the communication and cultural benefits of study foreign language there are other very practical benefits to learning a foreign language. The report Not Lost in Translation: The Growing Importance of Foreign Language skills the U.S. Job market, said in 2010 there were roughly 240,000 job postings aimed at bilingual workers; by 2015, that figure had ballooned to approximately 630,000. With the increasing rates of immigration across the world but especially in the United States (legal and illegal) is just resulting in businesses to diversify and hire more bilingual employees.
I do agree with your position that the job market would benefit from citizens knowing a foreign language. I also agree that the study of foreign language is a practical study and approach to employment. Your understanding that the communication and cultural benefits from foreign language study can be seen as practical. Historically and empirically, I think that the job market and economy have shown that a more diverse job force, creates a more industrialized job market. The inclusion of foreign language study is an important aspect to education.
Certainly for job acquisition purposes bilingualism cannot hurt a prospective employee's chances of getting hired; in most cases it would help. Now try to see second language acquisition from a broader perspective: that of government leadership, more specifically, a government dictated by the free markets of a capitalist nation such as The United States of America's. Education in America is maintained at a level so that its citizenry remain dutiful consumers, contributing to the overall economic good and thus resulting in being the richest country in the world in terms of gross domestic product. As a result of such grand accumulation of capital, the government has unlimited dollars to spend on its military to ultimately triumph in the game of geopolitical world domination (which is the inherent goal of any contending superpower). So, if you were one of the billionaires pulling the strings and if you agreed that second language learning heightens ones intellectual capability, and that intellectualism and independent thought correlate and that independent thinking allows the individual to break free from the bemusing walls of the cave (see Plato's Republic for cave reference) thus creating an uncontrollable citizen who will not submit to the demands of the free market, why on Earth would you make learning a foreign language a requirement in your school system. Perhaps there is a reason why Americans are so "hateful" and "bigoted" as Chris put it, perhaps the ones who really dictate policy in this country (not Congress) don't want us learning about the outside world because it gives us different perspectives on life. The modern consumer is the nova proletariat and are essential for the bourgeoisie to maintain their status.
Tim, I see your point about how learning a foreign language add to a person's ability to conceptualize different modes of thought, and how doing so might lead to a rejection of the discourses disseminated by those who dictate the American culture machine. But I would argue that the actual utilization of a foreign language is dependent on the person in question -- a politician whose thoughts are already aligned with the dominant economic discourse in our country will probably spout the same nonsense in Spanish. That is to say, foreign language education might not necessarily lead to a person becoming a "free-thinker", but rather a more vocal and bi-lingual soapbox-shouter of propaganda.
I do agree with you Bryce regarding the fact that Speaking a second language not only helps you in the workplace but also increases your pay. I think the statistics showed by The Report not lost in Translation regarding the growing number of jobs available to bilingual employees show how crucial it is for someone to acquire a foreign language skill
I tend to agree with you Patrick regarding your view on the fact that speaking a foreign language would not necessarily make you a better politician. I was surprised to see how many of U.S politicians that studied a foreign language and are still small minded people. As an example there are some politicians that speak the language, their parents are from that country but they still do not show any compassion for their community.
Foreign language learning has numerous cognitive benefits ranging from enhanced multitasking ability to improved memory to slowing the onset of dementia. It also expands career opportunities; bilingual job candidates standout as intelligent, flexible and open-minded to different types of people. Learning Spanish has helped me to uncover the mystery of another culture. Nelson Mandela once said, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Through connecting with and being accepted by another people I have discovered that there exists a thousand different ways of life and that contrary to strong public opinion, there exists no dominant way of life. That being said, foreign language learning must not be required in university curricula. The world’s divinities that learning Spanish has allowed me to see and experience has been a completely personal experience, and I certainly do not suggest it for everyone, much as I would not subject anyone to the unimaginative chore of grasping calculus or chemistry; I can hardly imagine that anyone who has no real interest in such matters can recall what a partial derivative is — I certainly cannot. Rather, the academic experience should be custom-tailored to fit the scholar’s interests so that he can fully immerse himself in the field of his calling. Time is of the essence and it is not to be wasted on meaningless discourse being forced down our throats.
I do appreciate your observation that the student should have the right to choose their course of study, and if so, they will then succeed at a higher level than if mandated to take a required course. I think that your personal experience with foreign language study and cultural competence is an informed opinion that is responsible in its approach. I think your indication that courses of study are difficult is a fair argument as to why foreign language study should not be required. I also can appreciate your statement that grasping chemistry or calculus is almost incomprehensible if not the selected choice of study. Your opinion is supportive of personal choice, which is democratic and fair.
I feel the same way about how studying Spanish has allowed me to appreciate other cultures. As I have been learning the language, studying other groups of people you learn that there is so much more in this world than what we only get to witness everyday. Studying a foreign language at this academic level allows you to dig deeper and truly learn more. I think a good thing to consider is how many people outside the US can usually speak at least 2 languages and how many opportunities it gives them to be able to work in different places all over the world. The value of speaking multiple languages in the work force and life in general is too high to not be required.
Respectfully, I wouldn't exactly call calculus and chemistry "meaningless discourse." Although I do understand where you're coming from, if you are saying that one should not be forced to study a wide area of topics such as math, science, and language when they are going to school with the goal of becoming a lion tamer in New Hampshire, for example. But I think the study of language has an inherent use much more valuable to college learners than those other subjects. We are breeding the next crop of America's learned professionals, and in order to create more worldly and knowledgeable adults, we need to start opening ourselves up to other cultures and peoples. Like you said, "I have discovered that there exists a thousand different ways of life and that contrary to strong public opinion, there exists no dominant way of life." This is a notion that has been absent from the American educational system since its birth. And now we have birthed one of the most hateful and bigoted nations of people due to an innate ignorance of other cultures and peoples.
I see your points, that especially in today's economic climate and increasing demand for academic standards one might feel annoyed by an obligation to study something seemingly unrelated to their field of study. That being said, I would argue that the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly is a skill lost on many students outside of the humanities (when not writing lab reports). The skill of translation is applicable outside of the realm of foreign language study and teaching, and can only lead to a better grasp of one's own language.
The learning of a foreign language opens up a world of possibilities for the student of higher education in the humanities -- other cultures, other worlds, and most importantly, other points of view. For those interested in studying the so-called “hard” sciences, the language is universalized by standard measurements and semi-standard practices, and should not be required to study a foreign language. A foreign language requirement has many benefits, not the least of which is the exposure to a point of view outside of the American standard. By learning a foreign language, the attentive student will have to delve into the semiotics of their own arguments as they deconstruct and critique those of others -- an essential skill for any student of the humanities, who uses the pen as a tool to shape the world. When learning a foreign language, one is forced to think both abstractly and contrary to one’s usual mode of thinking. The beginner student is afforded to opportunity to expand their vocabulary and style of writing by having to deconstruct the intent of their writing or argument in order to translate it into another language. They are also forced to complete the mental gymnastics necessary to translate on-the-fly, which can only help the brain in becoming quicker and more limber. At the higher levels of foreign language education, the student must evaluate the etymology of the words themselves, subtle differences in meaning in light of context and culture, and the grammatical integrity of their compositions. This causes the student to question whether their ideas and rationalizations hold water when translated, or if what they have to say is simply a sentence decorated with flowery language to conceal a weak thesis. And when the student is able to effectively convey their ideas to speakers of another language, and they are able to travel abroad in the interest of their education, they may discover that their long-held beliefs begin to crumble when brought to light. What better way for a student to learn how to make effective arguments than to have their own preconceived notions questioned? In the interest of creating a wide base of knowledge and experience to draw upon in future endeavors, the student of the humanities ought to be required to study a foreign language. This requirement need not be extended to students of the sciences, despite how it would round out their education and make them more capable of creating a dialogue that is accessible to those outside of the American worldview.
I do agree with your position that the study of foreign language in the United States of America allows a viewpoint that is different from the American worldview, even though this language is taught in America. I think your statements regarding the personal capacity to be able to speak a different language are important. The overall study of language is related to the development of reading, writing and speaking skills but also to the integral understanding of words themselves. I think you brought up an important point regarding the capability to expand one's vocabulary. The ability to speak a different language fluently is a hard task and it requires skill and attentiveness. The idea that the study of foreign language can attempt to challenge preconceived notions is interesting to point out. The study of foreign language allows the individual to personally evaluate their understanding of language and culture.
I agree with you that studying a foreign language in the United States allows you to have a different perspective on the world we live in. The place where I disagree is that I think regardless of what your studies are whether it's business, chemistry, engineering, etc. Having foreign language studies under your belt benefits you in so many ways that it is worth the potential inconvenience of studying something that could be considered unrelated to your major.
What better point to make than about the importance of a study abroad experience. This experience will open any person's eyes whether or not they are a language student. That experience is so important to becoming an informed citizen who sees the world in a context much greater than just themself and those they know. We need a nation of people who see the world through a 360 degree lens as opposed to merely what is before them. Therefore, I also speak to the importance of the exposure to other cultures through a required course, but more importantly through the experience of study abroad.
Ahhh... "the student of humanities ought to be required to study a foreign language". I can certainly agree with this notion! Whereas learning a new language might prove to be useless in understanding physics or algebra, humanities is really the learning of human culture and what better way to grasp the humanities than by apprehending the DNA of culture: language! Well put, Patrick.
I do agree with you with the fact that the learning of a foreign language opens up a world of possibilities for the student of higher education in the humanities, other cultures, other worlds, and most importantly, other points of view. I also think no matter what branch or major you decide to go to, you would definitely benefit from a foreign language and culture.
I do believe that the study of a foreign language should be required throughout higher education. The pursuit of education should be cumulative and should incorporate a curriculum that includes foreign topics. The study of a foreign language produces a larger world understanding and results in holistic academic approach.
The pursuit to become fluent in a foreign language incorporates the intent to understand a foreign culture. The ability to read and write in a foreign language is actually a developed skill that is achieved through academics. The understanding of a language well enough to converse with another person is a fundamental concept higher education. Each student at a university level should be required to take one course at an elementary level to be exposed to a different language.
This course requirement (in the foreign language) should be as an introduction to students about basic conversation and overall cultural understanding of the language and its world context. This course should be standardized throughout all universities and should allow the student to recognize at a basic level historical content of the language. The course should also promote the further study of language, which would be the student's choice.
In the United States of America with English as a first language, the required learning of a second language at a university level would support a broader education background for each student. The goal of foreign language study should be to understand the language at a level to communicate effectively. The implementation of foreign language study would (on a large scale) remove societal and social barriers to prejudices or inequality. The introduction of foreign language study could also promote a more diverse education background which aligns itself with higher standards of education. If courses are required, therefore students must complete them accordingly at a standardized level. This requirement would initiate an equal distribution of cultural studies to its citizens.
I agree that foreign language should be studied at the academic level. Having a well rounded education should include the study of foreign cultures. It all needs to start at the earlier levels of schooling because the young mind is actually better at learning languages it just comes more naturally to them. If everyone is required to study a foreign language they'd in turn would study another culture allowing themselves to hopefully remove some "societal barriers" that you spoke upon.
You are so right in saying that foreign language learning removes social barriers to prejudices and inequality and I agree that foreign language learning should be required, however, at the early-primary level (kindegarten or first grade) and continued through high school. Higher education is meant for those who wish to focus on a distinct subject matter -- why must the aspiring physicist be forced to sacrifice time and energy learning about a new culture and language that has no relevance to her field? To become the best possible physicist would it not suit her best to spend as much time as possible learning about physics? How many languages do you think Stephen Hawking speaks? I bet only one.
I agree with the point that you made that an increase in foreign language learning can lead to a lessening of xenophobic dialogue within our country. So often is the immigrant vilified and demonized in our country -- and how better to improve relations between the intolerant and the intolerated than to promote actual dialogue?
How might we define your suggestion of "effective" communication? Should this be standardized, or should it be dependent on the intent of the foreign language student for leaning the language?
Foreign language should most certainly be required in a university setting. If a student doesn't take a class on language and grammar, they should, at the very least need to take one course on culture or history. The purpose of language courses is to introduce students to a culture outside that of the United States to begin with. Learners can better place the actions of the United states or other countries under the correct context when they have a more educated world view. People are inherently ignorant about the occurrences anywhere outside of their comfortable realm of living. We are creatures of habit who serve to live and to reproduce, but many would like to say they have a greater purpose than that due to our position as the most intelligent known lifeform. If that is the case, students need to educate themselves ad dissolve their ignorance. By studying language, and thus culture, students open themselves up to many topics of debate and unrest. Hopefully, they also see how other cultures are affected in ways unknown to us, or at least hidden at the surface. This education is important for anyone who claims to be an informed citizen and I cannot say enough how valuable it is to have a world context as opposed to simply ignoring the existence of other cultures and views common to those cultures.
The ignorance of another person's culture is the fundamental reason as to why prejudices and hate come about. Learning another person's language is a very important step in learning about another person's culture in a more in depth way. There are so many reasons as to why foreign language education is very important and should required and I believe that the way you view the situation is very important when talking about this topic.
I agree with your suggestion that a student should take a course on culture or history. I also agree with your opinion that in taking a culture class, a student in America is able to understand their own culture and another better. I also agree in the importance of education because it leads to a more informed citizen and population. It is important to be aware of culture and the effect of history on culture development.
If learning a L2 is for us to interact with people from other cultures, I think one would need a higher level of language proficiency in order to communicate effectively and appropriately. I wonder how one-year or even two year of language requirement would be useful to those who do not wish to learn a L2 or don't see it value. Many students from other disciplines (e.g., history, anthropology, communication) don't really care about learning a second language but they are 'required' to take one year of foreign language (UNH policy) before graduation. I personally think students should be given the option of taking language or culture courses. From a teacher's point of view, it's no fun to teach a bunch of students who are not motivated at all. What do you all think?
I was required to take calculus as an undergrad and retained none of it because I had no interest in such powwow. A student required to learn about a culture or language in which he has no interest is likely to respond comparably. As an ESL teacher, I can certainly understand Professor Lee's point of view -- I would not want to teach a classroom full of students forced to learn English by their parents.
As you stated, Chris, we are creatures of habit. And even is one were to have absolutely no interest in taking their education in a foreign language to any degree past the beginner level, even that small amount of education can have a lasting impact. One gains to ability, for example, to understand the concept of meaning outside of how it is defined in the native tongue, and consider the formation of meaning in an abstract sense that exists outside of language.
Well said Chris!! I agree with the fact that if a student doesn't take a class on language and grammar, they should, at the very least need to take one course on culture or history; because the purpose of language courses is to introduce students to a culture outside that of the United States to begin with. It is very important for our leaders that actions that affect other countries and sometimes even the world to understand how the world works
I personally think learning a new language at the university level should be a requirement. When you study a foreign language, it goes beyond speaking a different tongue. You discover a whole new world, culture, and experiences. The way you think and understand everything has changed. Studying a new language does enrich you. The best thing about studying a foreign language is the fact that it helps you understand your native language better. Also, it is said that it makes you smarter; you will be able to comprehend stuff much better and faster. For every single language that I speak, I feel like I am a different kind of person; with different personality. I feel that my life has been expanded. I am able to explore other cultures; other ways of life. Another reason that makes me think learning a new language should be required at the university level is the fact that it makes you more marketable. The world is interconnected and sometimes speaking just one language may not get you where you want to be in the workplace. There might be some limitations if you speak only one language. As the University prepares a student to be ready not just to work in their field of study but to have a global understanding of the world, it would be very critical for each student to discover a new language, world other than the one they are already living in.
I personally believe that foreign language should be required at the university level. When one studies a foreign language there is much more to be learned than just another way to communicate. Whether it is French, Chinese, Spanish, etc. there are many benefits to learning another language. As one learns a foreign language they can communicate to people around the world throughout different communities resulting in things like more integrated and diversified communities and to respect other people's culture.
ReplyDeleteAside from the communication and cultural benefits of study foreign language there are other very practical benefits to learning a foreign language. The report Not Lost in Translation: The Growing Importance of Foreign Language skills the U.S. Job market, said in 2010 there were roughly 240,000 job postings aimed at bilingual workers; by 2015, that figure had ballooned to approximately 630,000. With the increasing rates of immigration across the world but especially in the United States (legal and illegal) is just resulting in businesses to diversify and hire more bilingual employees.
I do agree with your position that the job market would benefit from citizens knowing a foreign language. I also agree that the study of foreign language is a practical study and approach to employment. Your understanding that the communication and cultural benefits from foreign language study can be seen as practical. Historically and empirically, I think that the job market and economy have shown that a more diverse job force, creates a more industrialized job market. The inclusion of foreign language study is an important aspect to education.
DeleteCertainly for job acquisition purposes bilingualism cannot hurt a prospective employee's chances of getting hired; in most cases it would help. Now try to see second language acquisition from a broader perspective: that of government leadership, more specifically, a government dictated by the free markets of a capitalist nation such as The United States of America's. Education in America is maintained at a level so that its citizenry remain dutiful consumers, contributing to the overall economic good and thus resulting in being the richest country in the world in terms of gross domestic product. As a result of such grand accumulation of capital, the government has unlimited dollars to spend on its military to ultimately triumph in the game of geopolitical world domination (which is the inherent goal of any contending superpower). So, if you were one of the billionaires pulling the strings and if you agreed that second language learning heightens ones intellectual capability, and that intellectualism and independent thought correlate and that independent thinking allows the individual to break free from the bemusing walls of the cave (see Plato's Republic for cave reference) thus creating an uncontrollable citizen who will not submit to the demands of the free market, why on Earth would you make learning a foreign language a requirement in your school system. Perhaps there is a reason why Americans are so "hateful" and "bigoted" as Chris put it, perhaps the ones who really dictate policy in this country (not Congress) don't want us learning about the outside world because it gives us different perspectives on life. The modern consumer is the nova proletariat and are essential for the bourgeoisie to maintain their status.
DeleteTim, I see your point about how learning a foreign language add to a person's ability to conceptualize different modes of thought, and how doing so might lead to a rejection of the discourses disseminated by those who dictate the American culture machine. But I would argue that the actual utilization of a foreign language is dependent on the person in question -- a politician whose thoughts are already aligned with the dominant economic discourse in our country will probably spout the same nonsense in Spanish. That is to say, foreign language education might not necessarily lead to a person becoming a "free-thinker", but rather a more vocal and bi-lingual soapbox-shouter of propaganda.
DeleteI do agree with you Bryce regarding the fact that Speaking a second language not only helps you in the workplace but also increases your pay. I think the statistics showed by The Report not lost in Translation regarding the growing number of jobs available to bilingual employees show how crucial it is for someone to acquire a foreign language skill
DeleteI tend to agree with you Patrick regarding your view on the fact that speaking a foreign language would not necessarily make you a better politician. I was surprised to see how many of U.S politicians that studied a foreign language and are still small minded people. As an example there are some politicians that speak the language, their parents are from that country but they still do not show any compassion for their community.
DeleteForeign language learning has numerous cognitive benefits ranging from enhanced multitasking ability to improved memory to slowing the onset of dementia. It also expands career opportunities; bilingual job candidates standout as intelligent, flexible and open-minded to different types of people. Learning Spanish has helped me to uncover the mystery of another culture. Nelson Mandela once said, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Through connecting with and being accepted by another people I have discovered that there exists a thousand different ways of life and that contrary to strong public opinion, there exists no dominant way of life.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, foreign language learning must not be required in university curricula. The world’s divinities that learning Spanish has allowed me to see and experience has been a completely personal experience, and I certainly do not suggest it for everyone, much as I would not subject anyone to the unimaginative chore of grasping calculus or chemistry; I can hardly imagine that anyone who has no real interest in such matters can recall what a partial derivative is — I certainly cannot. Rather, the academic experience should be custom-tailored to fit the scholar’s interests so that he can fully immerse himself in the field of his calling. Time is of the essence and it is not to be wasted on meaningless discourse being forced down our throats.
I do appreciate your observation that the student should have the right to choose their course of study, and if so, they will then succeed at a higher level than if mandated to take a required course. I think that your personal experience with foreign language study and cultural competence is an informed opinion that is responsible in its approach. I think your indication that courses of study are difficult is a fair argument as to why foreign language study should not be required. I also can appreciate your statement that grasping chemistry or calculus is almost incomprehensible if not the selected choice of study. Your opinion is supportive of personal choice, which is democratic and fair.
DeleteI feel the same way about how studying Spanish has allowed me to appreciate other cultures. As I have been learning the language, studying other groups of people you learn that there is so much more in this world than what we only get to witness everyday. Studying a foreign language at this academic level allows you to dig deeper and truly learn more. I think a good thing to consider is how many people outside the US can usually speak at least 2 languages and how many opportunities it gives them to be able to work in different places all over the world. The value of speaking multiple languages in the work force and life in general is too high to not be required.
DeleteRespectfully, I wouldn't exactly call calculus and chemistry "meaningless discourse." Although I do understand where you're coming from, if you are saying that one should not be forced to study a wide area of topics such as math, science, and language when they are going to school with the goal of becoming a lion tamer in New Hampshire, for example. But I think the study of language has an inherent use much more valuable to college learners than those other subjects. We are breeding the next crop of America's learned professionals, and in order to create more worldly and knowledgeable adults, we need to start opening ourselves up to other cultures and peoples. Like you said, "I have discovered that there exists a thousand different ways of life and that contrary to strong public opinion, there exists no dominant way of life." This is a notion that has been absent from the American educational system since its birth. And now we have birthed one of the most hateful and bigoted nations of people due to an innate ignorance of other cultures and peoples.
DeleteI see your points, that especially in today's economic climate and increasing demand for academic standards one might feel annoyed by an obligation to study something seemingly unrelated to their field of study. That being said, I would argue that the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly is a skill lost on many students outside of the humanities (when not writing lab reports). The skill of translation is applicable outside of the realm of foreign language study and teaching, and can only lead to a better grasp of one's own language.
DeleteThe learning of a foreign language opens up a world of possibilities for the student of higher education in the humanities -- other cultures, other worlds, and most importantly, other points of view. For those interested in studying the so-called “hard” sciences, the language is universalized by standard measurements and semi-standard practices, and should not be required to study a foreign language.
ReplyDeleteA foreign language requirement has many benefits, not the least of which is the exposure to a point of view outside of the American standard. By learning a foreign language, the attentive student will have to delve into the semiotics of their own arguments as they deconstruct and critique those of others -- an essential skill for any student of the humanities, who uses the pen as a tool to shape the world.
When learning a foreign language, one is forced to think both abstractly and contrary to one’s usual mode of thinking. The beginner student is afforded to opportunity to expand their vocabulary and style of writing by having to deconstruct the intent of their writing or argument in order to translate it into another language. They are also forced to complete the mental gymnastics necessary to translate on-the-fly, which can only help the brain in becoming quicker and more limber.
At the higher levels of foreign language education, the student must evaluate the etymology of the words themselves, subtle differences in meaning in light of context and culture, and the grammatical integrity of their compositions. This causes the student to question whether their ideas and rationalizations hold water when translated, or if what they have to say is simply a sentence decorated with flowery language to conceal a weak thesis.
And when the student is able to effectively convey their ideas to speakers of another language, and they are able to travel abroad in the interest of their education, they may discover that their long-held beliefs begin to crumble when brought to light. What better way for a student to learn how to make effective arguments than to have their own preconceived notions questioned?
In the interest of creating a wide base of knowledge and experience to draw upon in future endeavors, the student of the humanities ought to be required to study a foreign language. This requirement need not be extended to students of the sciences, despite how it would round out their education and make them more capable of creating a dialogue that is accessible to those outside of the American worldview.
I do agree with your position that the study of foreign language in the United States of America allows a viewpoint that is different from the American worldview, even though this language is taught in America. I think your statements regarding the personal capacity to be able to speak a different language are important. The overall study of language is related to the development of reading, writing and speaking skills but also to the integral understanding of words themselves. I think you brought up an important point regarding the capability to expand one's vocabulary. The ability to speak a different language fluently is a hard task and it requires skill and attentiveness. The idea that the study of foreign language can attempt to challenge preconceived notions is interesting to point out. The study of foreign language allows the individual to personally evaluate their understanding of language and culture.
DeleteI agree with you that studying a foreign language in the United States allows you to have a different perspective on the world we live in. The place where I disagree is that I think regardless of what your studies are whether it's business, chemistry, engineering, etc. Having foreign language studies under your belt benefits you in so many ways that it is worth the potential inconvenience of studying something that could be considered unrelated to your major.
DeleteWhat better point to make than about the importance of a study abroad experience. This experience will open any person's eyes whether or not they are a language student. That experience is so important to becoming an informed citizen who sees the world in a context much greater than just themself and those they know. We need a nation of people who see the world through a 360 degree lens as opposed to merely what is before them. Therefore, I also speak to the importance of the exposure to other cultures through a required course, but more importantly through the experience of study abroad.
DeleteAhhh... "the student of humanities ought to be required to study a foreign language". I can certainly agree with this notion! Whereas learning a new language might prove to be useless in understanding physics or algebra, humanities is really the learning of human culture and what better way to grasp the humanities than by apprehending the DNA of culture: language! Well put, Patrick.
DeleteI do agree with you with the fact that the learning of a foreign language opens up a world of possibilities for the student of higher education in the humanities, other cultures, other worlds, and most importantly, other points of view. I also think no matter what branch or major you decide to go to, you would definitely benefit from a foreign language and culture.
DeleteI do believe that the study of a foreign language should be required throughout higher education. The pursuit of education should be cumulative and should incorporate a curriculum that includes foreign topics. The study of a foreign language produces a larger world understanding and results in holistic academic approach.
ReplyDeleteThe pursuit to become fluent in a foreign language incorporates the intent to understand a foreign culture. The ability to read and write in a foreign language is actually a developed skill that is achieved through academics. The understanding of a language well enough to converse with another person is a fundamental concept higher education. Each student at a university level should be required to take one course at an elementary level to be exposed to a different language.
This course requirement (in the foreign language) should be as an introduction to students about basic conversation and overall cultural understanding of the language and its world context. This course should be standardized throughout all universities and should allow the student to recognize at a basic level historical content of the language. The course should also promote the further study of language, which would be the student's choice.
In the United States of America with English as a first language, the required learning of a second language at a university level would support a broader education background for each student. The goal of foreign language study should be to understand the language at a level to communicate effectively. The implementation of foreign language study would (on a large scale) remove societal and social barriers to prejudices or inequality. The introduction of foreign language study could also promote a more diverse education background which aligns itself with higher standards of education. If courses are required, therefore students must complete them accordingly at a standardized level. This requirement would initiate an equal distribution of cultural studies to its citizens.
I agree that foreign language should be studied at the academic level. Having a well rounded education should include the study of foreign cultures. It all needs to start at the earlier levels of schooling because the young mind is actually better at learning languages it just comes more naturally to them. If everyone is required to study a foreign language they'd in turn would study another culture allowing themselves to hopefully remove some "societal barriers" that you spoke upon.
DeleteYou are so right in saying that foreign language learning removes social barriers to prejudices and inequality and I agree that foreign language learning should be required, however, at the early-primary level (kindegarten or first grade) and continued through high school. Higher education is meant for those who wish to focus on a distinct subject matter -- why must the aspiring physicist be forced to sacrifice time and energy learning about a new culture and language that has no relevance to her field? To become the best possible physicist would it not suit her best to spend as much time as possible learning about physics? How many languages do you think Stephen Hawking speaks? I bet only one.
DeleteI agree with the point that you made that an increase in foreign language learning can lead to a lessening of xenophobic dialogue within our country. So often is the immigrant vilified and demonized in our country -- and how better to improve relations between the intolerant and the intolerated than to promote actual dialogue?
DeleteHow might we define your suggestion of "effective" communication? Should this be standardized, or should it be dependent on the intent of the foreign language student for leaning the language?
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ReplyDeleteForeign language should most certainly be required in a university setting. If a student doesn't take a class on language and grammar, they should, at the very least need to take one course on culture or history. The purpose of language courses is to introduce students to a culture outside that of the United States to begin with. Learners can better place the actions of the United states or other countries under the correct context when they have a more educated world view.
ReplyDeletePeople are inherently ignorant about the occurrences anywhere outside of their comfortable realm of living. We are creatures of habit who serve to live and to reproduce, but many would like to say they have a greater purpose than that due to our position as the most intelligent known lifeform. If that is the case, students need to educate themselves ad dissolve their ignorance. By studying language, and thus culture, students open themselves up to many topics of debate and unrest. Hopefully, they also see how other cultures are affected in ways unknown to us, or at least hidden at the surface. This education is important for anyone who claims to be an informed citizen and I cannot say enough how valuable it is to have a world context as opposed to simply ignoring the existence of other cultures and views common to those cultures.
The ignorance of another person's culture is the fundamental reason as to why prejudices and hate come about. Learning another person's language is a very important step in learning about another person's culture in a more in depth way. There are so many reasons as to why foreign language education is very important and should required and I believe that the way you view the situation is very important when talking about this topic.
DeleteI agree with your suggestion that a student should take a course on culture or history. I also agree with your opinion that in taking a culture class, a student in America is able to understand their own culture and another better. I also agree in the importance of education because it leads to a more informed citizen and population. It is important to be aware of culture and the effect of history on culture development.
DeleteIf learning a L2 is for us to interact with people from other cultures, I think one would need a higher level of language proficiency in order to communicate effectively and appropriately. I wonder how one-year or even two year of language requirement would be useful to those who do not wish to learn a L2 or don't see it value. Many students from other disciplines (e.g., history, anthropology, communication) don't really care about learning a second language but they are 'required' to take one year of foreign language (UNH policy) before graduation. I personally think students should be given the option of taking language or culture courses. From a teacher's point of view, it's no fun to teach a bunch of students who are not motivated at all. What do you all think?
DeleteI was required to take calculus as an undergrad and retained none of it because I had no interest in such powwow. A student required to learn about a culture or language in which he has no interest is likely to respond comparably. As an ESL teacher, I can certainly understand Professor Lee's point of view -- I would not want to teach a classroom full of students forced to learn English by their parents.
DeleteAs you stated, Chris, we are creatures of habit. And even is one were to have absolutely no interest in taking their education in a foreign language to any degree past the beginner level, even that small amount of education can have a lasting impact. One gains to ability, for example, to understand the concept of meaning outside of how it is defined in the native tongue, and consider the formation of meaning in an abstract sense that exists outside of language.
DeleteWell said Chris!! I agree with the fact that if a student doesn't take a class on language and grammar, they should, at the very least need to take one course on culture or history; because the purpose of language courses is to introduce students to a culture outside that of the United States to begin with. It is very important for our leaders that actions that affect other countries and sometimes even the world to understand how the world works
DeleteI personally think learning a new language at the university level should be a requirement. When you study a foreign language, it goes beyond speaking a different tongue. You discover a whole new world, culture, and experiences. The way you think and understand everything has changed. Studying a new language does enrich you. The best thing about studying a foreign language is the fact that it helps you understand your native language better. Also, it is said that it makes you smarter; you will be able to comprehend stuff much better and faster.
ReplyDeleteFor every single language that I speak, I feel like I am a different kind of person; with different personality. I feel that my life has been expanded. I am able to explore other cultures; other ways of life. Another reason that makes me think learning a new language should be required at the university level is the fact that it makes you more marketable. The world is interconnected and sometimes speaking just one language may not get you where you want to be in the workplace. There might be some limitations if you speak only one language. As the University prepares a student to be ready not just to work in their field of study but to have a global understanding of the world, it would be very critical for each student to discover a new language, world other than the one they are already living in.