Article by Sophia Cederburg, Photo Contributed by Israel Mattocks
In high school, many of us took several foreign language classes. However, once in college, most give up the years of experience they have acquired. For some, it’s because they never enjoyed learning languages in the first place, but for many, it’s because they don’t know how easy and beneficial it is to continue learning a language in college and beyond.
Our foreign language department offers a variety of language majors and minors, from Spanish to French to Russian studies and even foreign language education. Director of undergraduate advising, Alexandra Marano, explains why students should be interested in pursuing a foreign language path. “We live in an increasingly global world, and learning a second language, or even a third language…signals to employers that you have a cross-cultural mindset.” Getting a major or minor in a foreign language is more than just learning the language; it’s immersing yourself in culture and expanding your boundaries. It allows people to work in multicultural environments and engage in more meaningful communication. Even inside the U.S., we live in an incredibly diverse country, and by knowing another language and respecting different cultures, a multitude of new opportunities can open up.
For anyone interested in continuing to learn or starting a new language, getting a minor through the foreign language department is an easy path to take. Any student, regardless of their major, can add on a language minor. It is as simple as reaching out to the department to CODA into the desired minor, and taking five classes in the selected language. Students can choose to learn a language or minor in cultural studies, depending on what interests them the most. For students who simply want to work on their fluency in a language, getting a language minor is the way to go. For those who want to learn about the culture outside the language, students can choose a language studies course. For those interested in getting a double major in a foreign language, the process is a little more complicated, but nothing a student can’t work out with the incredibly helpful department heads.
Learning a foreign language can be for anyone, from meteorology to computer engineering. I spoke to two NC State students who are currently part of the foreign language department: Talia Hallerman, a third year meteorology major Spanish minor, and Israel Mattocks, a second year double-major in computer science and world language and Culture with an Asian language concentration. Talia, already proficient in Spanish from high school, wanted to continue developing her fluency in the Spanish language. A big reason she decided to pursue language was to build stronger connections. “I just want to communicate with people,” says Hallerman. She believes that speaking with someone in their native tongue makes them feel more comfortable and allows for a deeper connection. She urges new language students to take it easy on themselves and “know you aren’t going to get it immediately, language takes time. Learning a second language is worth it.”
Israel chose to pursue a foreign language for a different reason. Despite his passion for engineering and sciences, Mattocks says, “I would feel incomplete if I didn’t also do humanities.” He believes that learning a language is very important because it takes you back to being an infant. You have to learn everything from the ground up, which gives you a new perspective as you are learning emotions and context again. “You can not learn another language without learning the culture.” Both students raved about the faculty, “The faculty has been nothing but super kind with me, so patient. They’ve really gone above and beyond,” says Mattocks. Professors have exceeded expectations in assisting their students, and are welcoming to everyone, no matter their skill level or proficiency. Hallerman and Mattocks hope to see more students join the world languages and cultures department in the future.
Learning a new language is more than just memorizing words and conjugations. The best way to master a language beyond surface level is to immerse yourself in the language through study abroad and getting involved in cultural activities. Studying abroad in your desired language is undeniably the best way to fully comprehend the language. You are not only surrounded by people constantly speaking that language, but you also become part of the culture. The foreign language department offers many study abroad opportunities for students on all language paths. For some, however, studying abroad might not be feasible. For those who can’t study abroad, there are several clubs and programs sponsored by the university and the foreign language department that allow students to become more involved with their language path, without the stress of traveling and additional expenses.
Students coming to NC State with previous foreign language experience are already on track to become part of the foreign language program. “If I could tell students anything about our department, it’s that…if you have already studied a language, keep studying a language, it’s really easy to do.” Says Professor Marano. There are classes available for all skill levels, and even for those hoping to learn a new language, there’s a path to earn a certificate. In the future, the foreign language department hopes to keep growing by building upon its old programs and bringing in new ones.
Foreign languages are for everyone, and in this increasingly diverse world, knowing another language or culture is more important than ever. So don’t overlook NCSU’s foreign language department — there’s something for everyone.