It is estimated that currently
- over 800 million people in the world speak Chinese as their
first language
- over 400 million people in the world speak Spanish
as their first language
- over 377 million people in the world
speak English as their first language
- over 113 million people
in the world speak French as their first language
- over 98 million
people in the world speak German as their first language
While Latin and Ancient Greek are no longer spoken languages,
gaining knowledge of how they function gives you a better understanding
of English, French, German and Spanish grammar and vocabulary.
Greek along with Latin is the basis for many specialized terms,
as both languages have been the languages of science and philosophy
for centuries. New words are being coined from Latin and Greek
roots every year in an effort to standardize English, French,
German and Spanish vocabulary in the increasingly multi-cultural, multi-lingual
world of Science and Law.
Is one language more useful to learn than
another?
All languages are useful in today's global economy. U.S. businesses
are expanding around the globe, and scientists increasingly work
on multi-national projects. The choice of language(s) is yours,
and is determined by your interests. Once you are competent in
a language besides your native English, it is much easier to
learn a third or fourth, so you can always add another language.
Is one language easier than other?
All languages have their "easy" and "difficult" parts.
The key to success is to immerse yourself in the language of
your choice as much as possible. Come to the weekly Language
Tables to practice as often as possible.
What if I am the person who cannot learn languages?
Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. But remember
that you have learned English, so you know how language works.
You can therefore learn another language.
Why would I need to know another language?
One in every 10 US citizens was born outside of the U.S. and
speaks a language other than English as their first language.
The U.S. is also one of the premiere tourist destinations for
travellers from around the world. Finally, growing expansion
of US businesses abroad and foreign investments within the U.S.
spell job opportunities for those who can communicate in more
than one language. Even if you never leave the U.S., with the
exponential growth of E-commerce world-wide you will undoubtedly
encounter languages other than English in your professional life.
Of the over 310 million Internet users around the world, less
than half are English speakers.
- English only accounts for 36.5% of websites world wide.
- 10.8%
of all websites are available in Chinese.
- 9.7% in Japanese.
- 7.4% in Spanish.
- 6.6% in German.
- 3.5% in French.
Also, did you know that learning a second language
- broadens your cultural and intellectual horizons?
- provides
a better understanding of your own language?
- enables you to
understand people who are different from you?
- provides you
with better job opportunities in many fields of work?
- prepares
you to connect virtually with others world-wide?
What teaching methods do we use?
We emphasize communicative and functional approaches. In other
words, we base our teaching on what students need in their everyday
lives. Nevertheless, the emphasis placed on communication skills
entails learning the basics of the language: proper grammar,
vocabulary and pronunciation.
Our interactive approach means that students will be called
upon to participate as much as possible in class and to practice
their language skills through various oral activities. Student
participation is essential. To a large extent, your progress
will depend on your participation and motivation.
You will also be encouraged to take advantage of every opportunity
to speak the language outside the classroom, such as participating
in the weekly language tables. You can also improve your language
skills by reading and listening.
Learning a language also means discovering a new culture!
What results can you expect?
The way one learns varies with each individual, as does the
speed at which one learns. As a general rule, progress depends
on the time the student takes to learn, and the effort he or
she makes. But this is not the case for everyone. Many variables
are involved when one is learning a second language, and they
can play a major role in the learning process. This is why it
is very important to speak with your professor in order to understand
your learning profile better.
