2005: The Year of Languages
Shows Value of Multilingual Skills

In today’s increasingly global community, the concept of being “well-spoken” has taken on an entirely new meaning. The need to communicate with, understand and do business with people and cultures where English is not the primary language is becoming a high priority for more and more Americans. That’s why the academic, social and economic benefits of gaining proficiency in English as well as other languages are the focus of a year-long celebration marking 2005: The Year of Languages across America.  Under the guidance of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and its affiliated organizations, schools and communities will use special events, competitions and promotional materials to deliver the language learning message. These events and materials, including press releases, print and broadcast advertising, informational brochures and Year of Languages merchandise items, are aimed at students, parents and community members to explain why language study matters to learners of all ages, from preschoolers to senior citizens:

• Research has shown that young children are most receptive to learning languages before the age of 6! The skills they acquire as youngsters make their academic performance better as they age, not only in languages but in other studies as well.
• Standardized test studies indicate that students who have concentrated on foreign language studies generally are among the highest performers in other subject areas.
• Studying languages exposes us to more than just language – we learn about the cultures and societies of the native speakers and we are exposed to their literature as it was created.
• Gaining language proficiency can be a stimulating, rewarding activity for the adult who’s been away from the classroom for many years. The mentaldiscipline that is required and the resulting cultural exposure are lifeenhancing experiences.
• Consider, too, the extra benefit that fluency in other languages adds to a career resume. Businesses in every field imaginable have an urgent and growing need for employees who can help them do business, both in the U.S. and abroad, with people and companies who speak other languages. More importantly, these new communicators of the 21st century need the special insights that come from intense language study … an understanding of the cultures, the social customs and the language subtleties that explain the difference between what a person says and what they mean.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the Year of Languages may visit thewww.yearoflanguages.org web site to find a growing selection of information and items pertaining to the Year of Languages celebration. There is a participant kit for anycommunity or school interested in organizing Year of Languages activities. The kit offers sample press releases to reach local news media with local information, a sample
proclamation that can be used for local or state leaders to officially recognize the observance, an article that can be used in newsletters or sent to local newspapers, and a calendar of monthly focus areas that can be used to plan events throughout the year. There will also be a message board that will allow people around the country to ask questions and post information about their own Year of Languages activities.

“Our involvement in 2005: The Year of Languages underscores our commitment to making language learning part of every American’s life,” said Thomas Keith Cothrun, President of ACTFL. “Proficiency in languages other than English is critical to the career preparation of today’s students. Learning a new languages and studying about other cultures is a fun and exciting endeavor to be enjoyed by everyone. In today’s world, competence in more than one language is a core and defining characteristic of a good citizen!”

For more information on The Year of Languages, go to www.yearoflanguages.org OR visit the ACTFL web site at www.actfl.org OR call ACTFL at 703-894-2900.