Advocacy Justifications for world language study Catherine DePercio

Six Arguments Benefits of Foreign Language Study (FLS) 1.National Security 2.Cross-cultural Competence 3.Economic Competitiveness 4.Multicultural 5.Global Knowledge and Services 6.Comparative Education

National Security Argument In order to prevent conflict we need to understand “other” cultures (and languages) Cultural awareness not just language acquistion

Cross-Cultural Argument Studying language to help us appreciate the richness of “our many cultures”

Economic Competitiveness Argument Makes students more competitive in a global market. Ex. European Union: “mother tongue +2” for member states

Multicultural Argument Ability to communicate with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds

Global Knowledge and Services Argument Increasing globalization requires us to understand different languages in order to have access to knowledge, goods, and services.

Comparative Education Argument American students fare poorly in studies testing various skills including world language skills. Correlation between extended foreign language study and performance on standardized tests (i.e. English, math, and social studies)

Challenges to FLS Budget cuts Misinterpreting research findings = detrimental foreign language education policies. Quick turn-around (i.e. fls policies) makes it difficult for individuals to participate. Xenoglossophobia

How to effectively advocate FLS Well supplied with research—equipped with facts—to articulate both sides of argument. Being part of professional networks in order to be updated on foreign language policy issues