Foreign Language Study Objectives

Talking in Languages

Enriched Cultural Identity

Intercultural Competence

How to Study a Foreign Language

Knowing a Foreign Language

Resources

After exploring the sites above:

  • Students will understand various advantages of studying a foreign language.
  • Students will define the concept of intercultural competence.
  • Students will explain how studying a foreign language enriches cultural identity of the learners.
  • Students will engage in Spanish language activities online to maximize language learning opportunities.

Since English language is used all over the world as a primary language of international communication or lingua franca, it is often difficult for the U.S. students to find motivation to dedicate years to study a foreign language.  This module explains the various advantages of learning a second language instead of relying on English often spoken abroad.  For example, one of these advantage is intercultural competence:  being able to interact and relate to new people, an opportunity to get to know people from a culturally different background.  Getting to know such people promotes tolerance and makes us global citizens. As Dr. Lera Boroditsky points out, “learning another language is not just a matter of learning to speak differently, it is also learning to think differently.” (http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2013/03/15/languages-and-the-way-we-think-talking-with-lera-boroditsky/)

 

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