In a world that is increasingly interdependent, we can no longer
afford to remain monolingual. Success depends in large measure on
the ability of an individual to function as a member of a global
village whose members speak a variety of languages. Learning
foreign languages is no longer a pastime: it is a necessity. How
does learning a foreign language help you to meet today’s
challenges?
The Study of a Foreign Language
- helps you to expand your view of the world
- encourages critical reflection on the relation between language
and culture, language and thought
- expands your opportunities for meaningful leisure activities
(such as travel, viewing foreign language films, watching foreign
TV programs)
- develops your intellect (encouraging good learning habits,
memorization, 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
- contributes to the achievement of national goals, such as
economic development or national security
- increases your sense of self worth. Speaking Italian or Spanish
to your grandmother or ordering in French at a French restaurant
will do wonders for your ego!
A Foreign Language Opens Up Job
Opportunities for You
In the routine performance of their jobs, many people are called
upon to use their foreign language skills. In large metropolitan
areas such as New York, knowing a foreign language seems almost an
essential aspect of urban living. Many jobs require knowledge
of at least one foreign language. Some of the most important
include:
The U.S. Government
·The United States Government employs Americans who have foreign
language skills on a regular basis. The Internal Revenue Service
hires people with foreign language skills to handle routine
investigations, audits, and communications with United States
nationals who speak a foreign language. Other agencies and
departments such as the CIA, the FBI, the State Department, the
DEA, and the US Armed Services, to name a few, make ample use of
people with foreign language skills.
American and International
Business
Knowing a foreign language is an important asset for many
foreign companies doing business in the US and for US-based
international companies. Business leaders know that the ability to
communicate with others in their own language is essential in
marketing American products abroad.
In Education
The study of Foreign Languages is increasing and the need for
teachers will grow accordingly. Foreign languages are taught in
Elementary, Junior and Senior High Schools, in the Universities,
and in private schools.
In Public Relations
Knowing foreign languages and their cultures can make the
difference between success and failure. The Chevy Nova failed
in Latin America because the marketer did not realize that No va in
Spanish means “It does not run.”
In Social Services
The social services deal with so many diverse groups that not
knowing foreign languages can and in many cases does hamper their
ability to serve the public adequately.
Health Care
The same thing can be said for Health Care, Police Enforcement,
and the Courts. The ability to communicate with non-English
speaking Americans can often make a difference between life and
death
“An Overseas Stint Can Be a Ticket to the
Top”
Many US multinational companies long trumpeted the importance of
overseas assignments for middle managers. But these days, even the
executive suite is going global. With nearly every industry
targeting fast-growing foreign markets, more companies are
requiring foreign experience for top management positions.
The Wall Street Journal, January 29, 1996
The Department of Modern Foreign Languages and Classical Studies
offers students the option to major or minor in French, Italian,
and Spanish. They can also minor in German, Modern and Classical
Greek, Latin, Russian and Linguistics. The Department also offers a
BA/MA degree in Spanish. Our courses range from elementary,
intermediate and advanced language instruction to intensive study
of literature, as well as courses on the art of translation. We
also offer Literature courses in translation, language courses for
specific purposes, such as Spanish for Medical Personnel, Business
French and Italian for Travelers, as well as specialized courses
such as France and the European Community, Italian Cinema, and
Spanish for Law Related Careers. We have a distinguished
Faculty recognized nationally and internationally for their
contributions to their fields.