Many Languages, Stronger Voices: The Essential Role of Language Learning

9:30 - 10:20 a.m., Thursday, October 1, 2020
virtual session

According to ilanguage.org, 60% of the world’s population is bilingual or multilingual. Yet in the United States, only 26% of people speak more than one language. Over the past century, many of the world’s languages have disappeared and with them, part of the world’s knowledge and culture. Why do Americans tend to neglect the essential skill of learning a second or even a third language? As a nation that prides itself on speaking with a strong voice, why do Americans not value language learning as many of our neighbors do? It seems obvious to say that our voice is shaped by the language we speak, but how does the language we speak shape the way our voices are used and heard? From K-12 through higher education, how does exposure to different languages and cultures contribute to the development of student empowerment and voice?

 

Panel Moderator:  Lyndsey Strahan, Ozarks Technical Community College

 

Panel Producer:  Vadim Putzu, MSU College of Humanities and Public Affairs

• Live closed captioning is provided.      
• An ASL Interpreter is available on this session.  

Presenters