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Study: Languages need help
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by Kristin Stange
Friday, March 30, 2007
American proficiency in foreign languages needs improvement and expansion, according to a report released Wednesday by the National Academies' National Research Council.
Achieving such a goal, the report added, would require the appointment of a high-ranking official in Washington who could track the progress of the initiative and advocate for additional funding and representation, if needed.
The report was written in response to the declining support for the Higher Education Act, Title VI and the Fulbright-Hays Act — all of which advocate for higher educational learning resources.
In response to the report, the Language Resource and National Resource centers are attempting to increase support for the study of foreign language and international affairs.
The outcome of the debate could affect the University of Wisconsin, even though the university already offers a wide range of language study, said Sally Magnan, director of UW's Language Institute.
"We have a capacity to teach 60 languages at UW in 11 departments," said Magnan, who is also a professor in UW's French department.
The Language Institute is a division of International Studies and receives support from the College of Letters and Science, but it does not "oversee" the language programs.
Instead, UW's foreign language departments are more independent and specialized, Magnan said.
"The language program is overseen by a person in each department," Magnan said. "[We] have someone overseeing each semester or year of study, depending on the language."
Magnan expressed support for the independent system rather than having one person overseeing all the programs, since it keeps "each culture tight."
Such a rich education in cultural diversity and language is extremely important in a world turning toward globalization, according to Assistant Director of International Academic Programs Julie Lindsey.
"As the world shrinks, the need for students to have global competence is going to be very important," she said.
Currently, there are 90 IAP programs at UW to assist students in their global education, and 30 of the university's study abroad programs require prior knowledge of a language.
"[Cultural experience] is relevant to all undergraduate students, not just those pursuing a degree in a language," Lindsey said. "Over half of the programs we offer do not require a foreign language."
The report concluded by acknowledging changes that need to be made in assessment of proficiency and financial funding, and recommending that more research be conducted to determine how technology can accelerate the learning of a foreign language.
Nonetheless, the report said that committee members are optimistic that the interest to learn languages is there, and with adequate resources, will improve.
Anonymous (April 3, 2007 @ 12:53pm):
"As the world shrinks" the need for everyone to speak the same language increases.
Or maybe the Tower of Babel was a good idea?
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