Philosophy

Language learning consists of progressive acquisition and the gradual

refinement of four skills: comprehension, speaking, reading and writing the

language. These communication skills are interrelated and they are developed

concurrently.

Foreign languages help the student communicate with a large and diverse

segment of humanity. The knowledge of foreign languages may help one

understand the ideas of great philosophers, writers and artists who have

helped to shape our own ways of thinking and feeling. Today, more than ever,

foreign language knowledge sharpens America’s edge in today’s competitive

world of technology, trade and international relations. In learning a foreign

language the student learns how other people express themselves, how they

live, and what they think. The experience of foreign language study also helps

to understand one’s own language, traditions and culture, since it is often by

comparing ourselves to others that we begin to learn who we really are.

In a diverse area, moreover, foreign language learning strengthens inductive

and deductive inferential reasoning skills, as well as provides a richer fund of

words and images.