Why try something different!
Students who study less-commonly taught languages gain an
understanding of different cultures and of the structures of
languages, as well as an important edge in future educational
and professional development.
Consider Endangered Languages
Students who study an endangered language help preserve the heritage
and knowledge of a culture at risk. In the United States, some scholars
predict only twenty indigenous languages will remain in 2050—a
tremendous drop from the approximately 300 languages believed to
have been spoken in North America prior to Columbus’ arrival. Many
indigenous languages that exist today are in danger of extinction,
having only a handful of speakers, most of whom are elders.
Consider Arabic
The study of Arabic can be a real challenge for native-English speakers,
but the language offers professional, academic, and cultural rewards.
Over 160 million people speak Arabic. Approximately three million
people of Arab heritage, many of whom speak Arabic, live in the
United States and Canada. Additionally, as the official language of
Islam, Arabic is an essential component of the spiritual lives of
over 600 million people.
Consider Chinese
Students who learn Chinese prepare themselves to work in a thriving
consumer market. China houses a rapidly expanding economy and
is one of the United States’ largest trading partners. Approximately
25 percent of the world’s people speak Chinese. Chinese civilization,
which spans approximately 5,000 years, is one of the longest
continuous civilizations in the world’s history.
Consider the Classics
The study of the Classics offers students insight into a variety of
languages. Of the words in the English language, over 60 percent are
derived from Latin and Greek. Latin and Greek also form the basis of
scientific and professional terminology. Students will find the Classics
useful in the fields of science, journalism, politics, and the arts.
Consider Italian
An attraction to the culture and history of Italy inspires many students
to study Italian. The language is particularly useful to students with
interests in cinematography, architecture, the arts, and European
politics and history. Italy houses the remains of ancient Roman
civilization, as well as a wealth of museums, galleries, and churches.
Visitors can explore well-known works of art and enjoy the vast
heritage of Italian music.
Consider Japanese
Students who study Japanese gain insight into the culture and history
of a country that leads the world market in information science and
technology. Japan’s strong economic presence makes Japanese an
advantage for students preparing to compete in business, engineering,
and science. The study of Japanese culture offers insight into social
practices that differ greatly from those found in the United States.
Consider Russian
Millions of people living in the area from Eastern Europe to the Pacific
Ocean speak Russian. Students interested in opportunities in the East,
whether in business, international affairs, science, or mathematics,
will find the study of Russian an asset. Students may also want to
study Russian heritage in the United States.
References
All About the Arabic Language. n.d. The American Associstion of Teachers of Arabic.
12 Feb. 2001 <http://www.wm.edu/aata/whyarabic.html>.
Estes, James. How Many Indigenous American Languages Are Spoken in the United
States? By How Many Speakers? Oct. 1999. The National Clearinghouse for Bilingual
Education. 12 Feb. 2001 <http://www.ncbe.gwu.edu/askncbe/faqs/20natlang.htm>.
Language Study Anyone? n.d. Modern Languages Department, Union College.
12 Feb. 2001 <http://www.union.edu/PUBLIC/MOLNDEPT/whystudy.html>.
Why Study Classics? n.d. Department of Classics, Case Western Reserve University.
12 Feb. 2001 <http://www.cwru.edu/artsci/clsc/whystudy.html>.
Why Study Italian? n.d. Italian Deptartment, The University of Auckland.
12 Feb. 2001 <http://www.auckland.ac.nz/eur/italia/pages/why.html>.
Oggi in Italia, page 374.
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World Connections
We’re Here
to help
cDougal Littell is dedicated to providing the educational solutions that help
teachers and students succeed. Each of our World Languages programs offers
teachers a wide variety of educational tools. In addition, we offer consultant support to help
customize our programs to your school. Just call us at 800-323-5435 to arrange for special
consultant support. A McDougal Littell representative will be glad to answer your questions
and provide the information and resources needed.
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VOLUME 2
World Connections
Language
is Power
“To grasp the meaning of the world
…we use language…”
— Saint-Exupéry
The study of world languages creates numerous
advantages for students. Language study fosters
the development of academic and cognitive skills
and increases awareness of the diverse cultures
that make up the world. Students who study
language are better prepared for an array of
future opportunities.
Academic Advantages
Research indicates a definite correlation between
students who study another language and the
achievement of higher standardized test scores.
Each year of foreign language study leads to
higher scores on both the math and verbal
portions of the exams. A better understanding
of the structures of language expands students’
word power and reading comprehension skills
and helps them discern meaning through their
knowledge of word components. Grammar
skills and the quality of writing in English
improve as well.
Cognitive Advantages
Research shows that the study of a new language
improves problem-solving skills, critical and divergent thinking skills, and metacognitive development. It also enhances creativity and verbal and nonverbal skills in the native language.
Students develop greater mental flexibility, as well
as inferencing and memory skills. These benefits
transfer to other academic areas.
Cultural Advantages
Taking another language heightens students’
cultural appreciation and awareness and broadens
their global perspective. Students become more
sensitive to cultural issues when they experience
different cultural contexts. A new language also
lends students a new vocabulary with which to
experience the world, heightening understanding
of all cultures.
Future Opportunities
Students who study another language show a
higher self-esteem and sense of pride about
their academic achievement. The most powerful
advantage from the students’ point-of-view is
that they can use their new language to find
better opportunities for their future.
Why stop at two languages? There are many
heritage speakers with a language other than
English in the home who are studying both
their native language and an additional language.
Additional languages have proven easier for
students to acquire because the necessary
schema, attitude, and language acquisition
skills have been established. In a competitive
job market, knowing more than one language can cause job applications to rise to the top of the stack. What’s Inside...
Why French is phénoménal!
Why German is wunderbar!
Why Spanish is fantástico!
Why try something different!
Why French is phénoménal! While any language will be useful for some jobs or for some regions,
French can be useful throughout the world as well as in the United
States. French as a foreign language is the second most frequently
taught language after English. It is spoken as an official language in
33 countries and is the only language other than English spoken on
five continents. French and English are the only two global languages.
When deciding on a foreign language for work or school, French
is the language that will give you the most choices later on in your
studies or your career.
French, along with English, is the official working language of
• the United Nations
• UNESCO
• NATO
• Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
• the International Labor Bureau
• the International Olympic Committee
• the 31-member Council of Europe
• the European Community
• the Universal Postal Union
• the International Red Cross
• Union of International Associations (UIA)
One example of the importance of French can be seen in a recent listing
of international jobs (1/23/01) distributed by the U.S. State Department:
92 required or preferred French, 21 a UN language (Arabic, Chinese,
English, French, Russian, and Spanish) 38 Spanish, 6 Russian, 3 Arabic,
4 German, 2 other languages.
The Economics of French and France
• French is the foreign language spoken by one of our
largest trading partners (Canada).
• France is the second largest exporter of agricultural products
in the world after the U.S.
• In recent years, the U.S. has been the largest direct investor in
France and France has been one of the three largest investors
in the U.S.
• French companies employ over 400,000 Americans.
• 1.9 million Americans speak French in the home.
(1990 US Census)
• France is the third largest destination of foreign investments
in the world.
• France is overall, the fourth largest exporting nation of the world.
• France is the world's leader in the production of luxury goods.
• More tourists visit France than any other country in the world.
Science and Technology
• Seven of France's top ten exports to the U.S. are industrial
or high technology products.
• France is a major world research center in the field of high
energy physics.
• The French are a world leader in medical research:
the AIDS virus was first isolated by French doctors.
• The French are a leader in medical genetics
(the Human Genome Project is located in Paris).
• Most commercial satellites are put into space on
French Ariane rockets.
• The fastest train (TGV) is French.
• France has one of the most advanced systems of telecommunications
in the world. Fiber optics were invented in France.
• France is the world's largest manufacturer of television sets
(HDTV was invented in France).
Importance of French in School and Work
High school students should consider studying at least four years of
a foreign language. With French they have access to the most widely
spoken foreign language in the world after English and they become
familiar with a culture that significantly influences their own.
Richard Shryock
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
www.fll.vt.edu/french
Discovering French, Rouge page 392.
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Why German is wunderbar!
The choice to study German offers clear advantages for students in the
United States. English and German belong to the same language family,
making German more easily accessible to native English speakers.
Germany supports an active exchange program and encourages study
with 2,000 grants each year.
With over 120 million native speakers, German is spoken in Germany,
Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and areas of northern
Italy, eastern Belgium, and eastern France. The German language also
extends far beyond these areas. Besides English, German is the most
commonly learned foreign language in Europe. More Europeans speak
German than any other language. In Japan, 68 percent of students
choose to study German.
Heritage
• One out of every four Americans reports a German heritage.
• An active German culture is evident at festivals like Oktoberfest
that take place throughout the United States.
• The German and English languages share a Germanic ancestry,
which helps native-English speakers learn German more easily.
Science and Technology
• German is regarded as the international language of physics,
engineering, and medicine.
• On the Internet, German is second only to English.
• Through 2000, German-speaking scientists received 34 Nobel
Prizes in Physics, 38 in Chemistry, and 30 in Medicine.
• The development of the Periodic Table began with German chemist
Johann Dobereiner’s discovery of the Law of Triads.
• Many of the world’s noted scientists studied at German universities.
• German is a recommended language for science majors.
Arts and Academia
• German-speaking composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Mahler,
Mozart, and Wagner helped define classical music.
• Günter Grass won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1999,
bringing the tally of German and Swiss-German recipients
to ten.
• The effect of the German Bauhaus School is evident in the
architecture of the United States, notably the Chicago skyline.
• Ten percent of the world’s books are published in German.
• With German, one can experience the original works of
Goethe, Freud, Einstein, Nietzsche, Kant, Schiller, Kafka,
Jung, and Kepler.
Sports
• German-speaking athletes dominate the sport of alpine skiing
so well that German has become the sport’s official language.
• The German men’s national soccer team has played in the
World Cup finals more often than any other team.
Conclusion
The power of the German economy, its economic ties with the United
States and around the globe, and the reputation of German-speaking
scholars in the field of scientific research, the arts, and academia
make German a clear asset in today’s employment market.
References
“A Brief History of the Development of the Periodic Table.” Chemistry Course Materials:
Chemistry 412, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. 21 Jan. 1999. Western Oregon University.
30 June, 2001 <http://wou.edu/las/physcich412/perhist.html>.
Duncan, Bruce. Why Study German? 8 Jan. 2001. Dartmouth Dept. of German Studies. 12
Jan. 2001 <http://www.dartmouth.edu/artsci/german/#why>.
Frackman, Kyle E. Why Learn German? 25 June 2001. Hamline University. 30 June, 2001
<http://www.hamline.edu/~kefrackm/whygerm.html>.
The Nobel Prize Internet Archive. n.d. Almaz Enterprises. 12 Jan. 2001
<http://almaz.com/nobel/nobel.html>.
Stark, John. Is German Germane? You Bet It Is!! 2 May 1998 . Illinois Mathematics and
Science Acad. 12 Jan. 2001 <http://www.imsa.edu/edu/forlang/gr/grreasons.html>.
Why Learn German: Ten Reasons for Learning German. n.d. Goethe Institut. 12 Jan. 2001
<http://www.goethe.de/i/eniazeh.htm>.
Why Study German? 11 Sept. 2000. Duke University. 11 July 2001
<http://www.duke.edu/German/ystudger.html>.
Why Study German? 20 June 1998. Macalester College German Studies. 12 Jan. 2001
<http://www.macalstr.edu/~german/whygerman.html>.
Why Study German?: A Guide for Students Who Want to Be Real Players
in the 21st century. n.d. Goethe Institut. 12 Jan. 2001
<http://www.goethe.de/uk/saf/werbung/english/enst.htm>.
Auf Deutsch!, Level 2 page 14.
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Why Spanish is fantástico! In the United States, the number of Spanish-language radio and television
stations, newspapers, and advertisements marks the proliferation of
Spanish language and culture. Spanish is the second language of choice
in the U.S., largely because it is the foreign language residents are most
likely to encounter in their local communities. Projections indicate
that, in 20 years, approximately 17 percent of U.S. residents will have
a Spanish-speaking heritage. Given the proximity of the United States to
Spanish-speaking countries and the rate of immigration, the practicality
of speaking Spanish will soon become a necessity.
Arts and Literature
• Recent winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature include Mexico’s
Octavio Paz, Spain’s Camilo José Cela, and Colombia’s Gabriel
García Márquez.
• Miguel de Cervantes Suavedra wrote the famed Don Quixote in Spain.
• Spanish language films such as Como agua para chocolate, El norte,
and The Buena Vista Social Club receive acclaim from movie-makers
and viewers alike.
• Spanish-speaking countries have given the world a wealth of musical
and dance forms: flamenco, sevillana, mariachi, salsa, merengue,
mambo and ranchera.
• Artists such as Fernando Botero, Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, Joan
Miró, and Pablo Picasso added distinct works of art to their nations’
cultural archives.
• Famed Spanish architecture includes buildings by Antoni Gaudí
and the Alhambra.
Business
• The world’s 300 million Spanish speakers form a powerful market,
making Spanish an advantage to any international business.
• Large U.S. investments in Latin America require businesses to
hire employees who speak Spanish and understand Latin
American cultures.
• People of Spanish-speaking origin make up approximately 9
percent of the U.S. population and constitute a U.S. consumer
market that spends an estimated $220.2 billion a year.
• In the U.S., professionals who can communicate with both English
and Spanish speakers are an asset to any field, including business,
education, health, public service, and government.
Travel
• Spanish is the third most commonly spoken language in the
world, making it an extremely useful language for travel.
• South America enjoys warm weather during the North
American winter, increasing the appeal of destinations
south of the equator to U.S. tourists.
• The strength of the U.S. dollar helps make vacations to Central
and South American countries affordable.
• When visiting Spanish-speaking countries, speaking the language
can evoke a warm reception and open the door to experiences
that are not listed in the tour guide.
Conclusion
The study of the Spanish language opens students to a variety of
cultural and professional opportunities, not only abroad, but in their
local communities as well. The growing prominence of Spanish in
the United States makes the language a useful choice that affords
many opportunities for practice.
References
Charaf, Martina and David DePrado. “Why Spanish Culture Is So Interesting.”
Spanish Culture. 1999. About. 05 March 2001
<http://spanish.about.com/culture/spanishculture/library/weekly/aa051799.
htm?terms=why+spanish+culture+is+so+interesting>.
Erichsen, Gerald. “Why Learn Spanish?” Spanish Language. 2001. About. 05 March 2001
<http://spanish.about.com/homework/spanish/library/beginning/bl-beg-introwhy.htm?terms=why+learn+spanish>.
The Nobel Prize Internet Archive. n.d. Almaz Enterprises. 12 Jan. 2001
<http://almaz.com/nobel/nobel.html>.
Why Learn Spanish. 1998. AmeriSpan Unlimited. 05 March 2001
<http://www.amerispan.com/ameri.live/whyspnsh.html>.
¡En español!, Level 1, page 162.
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