Modern World Language

Modern World Language Philosophy

“One who speaks two languages is worth two people” -Modern Language Department

The learning of a foreign language should be done by utilizing a process that parallels the manner in which a child learns its mother tongue. This is achieved by using, as much as possible, the foreign language in the classroom.

Languages, like music, are sounds that are perceived through the ear. If the student’s ear is accustomed to hearing the sounds of a language, his vocals chords will be able to reproduce these sounds. Consequently, our philosophy is that the study of foreign languages must be approached in stages, which parallel the process of a child learning its native tongue, taking into consideration the different mental maturity reached by the youth.

The natural development of language skills are listening, speaking, reading, and writing; therefore, our program strives to integrate these skills, in this order, for the purpose of increasing the student’s overall competence in the language. As these skills develop, a student will benefit from the study of the culture and civilization which produced the foreign language the student is mastering.

Modern World Language Objectives

The objectives of such a course of study are to give each student:

• The ability to use a foreign language, including listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Some knowledge of the history, geography, art, literature, in religion, in relation to foreign civilizations.
• An understanding of foreign cultures and values.

The foregoing objectives, then, will allow the student to grow in:

• Greater insight into people of other ethnic backgrounds and, hopefully, as a result, a deeper awareness into the nature of their own humanity.
• A wider range of career possibilities.
• An increased knowledge of the structure of their native language.

It is our modest hope that the philosophy and objectives of the modern foreign language department will become pathways by which we endeavor to break down the barriers and prejudices separating peoples and to instill in our students a respect for others in a true Christian context.

Courses

*Students will take the LOTE B Checkpoint Exam