Languages+in+the+News


 * LANGUAGES IN THE NEWS**

Below is an excerpt from an interview of the Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, by the American Council on the Teachers of Foreign Languages. It was originally published in the journal, //The Language Educator.//

"It is hard to exaggerate the importance of learning about foreign cultures when it comes to understanding international relations and carrying out a successful foreign policy...Building or maintaining successful diplomatic or commercial ties also requires insight into other countries. And language is one of the keys to "unlocking" the often hidden or subtle realities of another society. For these and related reasons, the fact that more people than ever before speak English does not diminish the case for Americans learning foreign languages."

//Language Skills in the Global Marketplace// by Mark Fryer, PhD

"In an increasingly connected, globalized world where marketplaces and cultures continue to integrate, the need for language skills has become ever more apparent. Cultures that were once separated by unimaginable distances and circumstances are now interdependent. This changing global dynamic asserts the need for individuals with cultural knowledge and language skills who can utilize their competencies to bridge communication gaps among the private and public sectors both domestically and internationally."

"In fact, as a result of globalization, most industries today desire language and cultural skills—not solely limited to translation and interpretation jobs. The public and private sectors have a great need for bilingual individuals, often in office locations worldwide."

Click the link below to read more of the article //Language Skills in the Global Marketplace.// []

Below is an excerpt from an interview of the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, by the American Council on the Teachers of Foreign Languages. It was original published in the journal, //The Language Educator.//

//"//There is no doubt that learning foreign languages is critical for our nation's students, and for a variety of reasons. Foreign language skills contribute to our economic competitiveness and national security, and to solving global challenges in areas like health and the environment. In addition, studies have shown that students who learn foreign languages in school actually realize other cognitive benefits that can make a difference in their academic performance."