The Faculty of the Dept. of World Languages and Cultures unequivocally condemn any attack on civilians and aggression against other nations by those in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Americas and everywhere else. The current Russian invasion of Ukraine is a direct violation of international law (U.N. Charter Article 2(4)) and Russia’s own signed commitment “to respect the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine’s existing borders” (Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances). Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with them in opposing this war.
Welcome! ترحيب 欢迎 Bienvenue! Willkommen בברכה! Benvenuto! 歓迎! 환영! добро пожаловать!
Why study a World Language and Culture at MSU?
Knowing another language opens up a WORLD of job opportunities, a WORLD of travel opportunities, and offers real advantages in the MULTI-CULTURAL WORLD of the humanities, the arts, government, and the sciences. Knowing another language allows for a greater understanding of cultural diversity and allows for better communication skills and social interaction. Students interact with their peers in a language class more than in other classes and learn about others precisely because they consistently engage in “small talk” in the language to achieve mastery. Students find friends in language classes which serve as a better welcome/retention tool than any other.
Why study a World Language EARLIER rather than later?
Because students want to learn more about the world and to widen their horizons when entering MSU. Because students come to know what it means to really communicate in another WORLD LANGUAGE only after being exposed to it and if that comes too late in their time in college, it is too late for them to major or minor in a WORLD LANGUAGE or even double major in a WORLD LANGUAGE and another related discipline. Opportunities to explore the WORLD and its CULTURES are most meaningful to students when offered to them EARLY so they can decide to go further with their study of WORLD LANGUAGES and CULTURES while they are still at MSU. PLEASE make this possible and do not recommend waiting to begin a WORLD LANGUAGE as far too many students are being told to do.
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” – Nelson Mandela
