Learning different language benefits communication skills

Welcome, IUP students, to the liberal studies language requirement.

Many undergraduates are required to take up to 12 credit hours of a foreign language aimed at promoting better communication skills and introduc­ing the student body to the different cultures.

To encourage students to find something that interests them, IUP offers coursework in Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish and German. International trade tracks are avail­able for the latter three.

Language is a tool that helps us tap into the lives of people from around the world, and IUP has a big toolbox filled with options for students who need extra help.

“Sometimes the hardest part about teaching language is finding ways to make it meaningful to the students,” said Spanish instructor John Zyck.

For instructors, helping students learn a new language often requires that instructors be creative and use diverse teaching methods.

Because no two students learn everything exactly the same way, many professors offer conversation hours, according to Zyck.

Conversation hours enable stu­dents to work one-on-one with their instructor, and give students the opportunity to practice speaking. Each department includes some form of tutoring for students.

For upper-level language students, there are language conversation clubs on campus that can help students become fluent or maintain fluency.

“Take language classes early in your [college] career, because if you’re disinterested or have problems, you don’t want that to possibly prevent you from graduating,” Zyck said.

Just about everyone can benefit from language study.

“I would say that communication is the best reason to study language,” Zyck said. “So many more of us will be likely to have to deal with ‘foreign­ers’ within our lifetime,” said Zyck. “Taking up a new language introduces students to new ideas and attitudes.”

“Learning culture is always a plus because we take ours for granted,” Zyck said. He added that it’s impor­tant to see how other people live to better appreciate our own culture and to learn about others’ ideas.

Scheduling for spring classes begins March 22. Check with your adviser to see what is required by your particular major.

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