Chieftain, Volume 33, Number 1, Spring 1984 Page: Front Inside
This periodical is part of the collection entitled: McMurry Chieftain and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the McMurry University Library.
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Viewpoint
by Dr. Jim Alvis
Modern Language Department Chairperson
As an instructor of foreign language I am occa-
sionally given the opportunity to discuss the impor-
tance of language skills and study in American life.
Recent studies and reports in education indicate
that foreign language study is increasing in our
secondary schools, colleges and universities.
This past year the National Commission on Ex-
cellence in Education released the report, "A Na-
tion at Risk," which recommends two years of
foreign language for the college bound student.
The report notes that the study of this discipline
"introduces students to non-English speaking
cultures, heightens awareness and comprehension
to one's native tongue, and serves the nation's need
in commerce, diplomacy, defense and education".
(<Chronicle of Higher Education, May 4, page 14)
The College Board characterizes foreign languages
as one of the six "basic academic subjects that
every high school student should be taking." The
Carnegie Foundation also reports that all students
should become familiar with the language of
another culture.
At present secondary schools and universities na-
tionwide are re-instating language requirements.
The University of Texas at Austin now requires
two units of language as an admission requirement.
Students who are deficient in this area are required
to make up their language deficiency at the univer-
sity. Students who enter the University of New
Mexico are also required to have two years of
language other than English. All of the Ivy League
Schools have recently re-instated language re-
quirements, and many of the universities on the
West Coast are following this trend. McMurry has
traditionally required foreign languages (French,
German, Spanish or Greek) for the B.A. degree.
There are many advantages for students who in-
clude languages in their field of study. Because of
the huge predicted increase of Hispanics, Spanish
will be particularly beneficial in education,
business, law enforcement, health services and
religion.
Dr. James Kirby, Dean of Perkins School of
Theology at SMU, and a graduate of McMurry,
has requested that the Perkins faculty members
study conversational Spanish. Now at least twelve
of Perkins' approximately 40 professors and ad-
ministrators are striving for language proficiency.
Dr. Kirby explains that there is an increasing need
to be able to teach, preach, and converse in
Spanish.
As the nation's population of bilingual students
has grown, so has the demand for qualified bi-
lingual education teachers. John O'Sullivan, presi-
dent of the Houston Federation of Teachers, notes
that the shortage of bilingual teachers in Texas is
critical. Other states facing a similar problem in-
clude California, Michigan and Illinois.
In the business field, many firms such as Kodak,
John Deere Tractor, and Dow Chemical now re-
quire translators. International banks, research
laboratories and chemical companies also are
among U.S. industries which most frequently have
staff translators.
Congressman Paul Simon, Chairman of the U.S.
House of Representatives Select Sub-Committee on
Education, contends that we should encourage
business personnel to become proficient in other
languages both as a courtesy and as a practical
matter. He says, "You can buy in any language,
but you can't sell in any language. To sell you have
to speak the language."
Anyone who has mastered a language other than
English has a personal satisfaction of knowing that
he or she can communicate in that language as well
as enjoy its literature and culture. Travel in a
foreign country suddenly becomes more exciting
and meaningful when the traveler is able to com-
municate directly rather than rely on a third party.
Languages are important to us because they open
new doors; but more important than that, the
study of languages makes us think.
Volume 33, Number 1
(USPS 104-320)
Director of Alumni Services,
Janney Taylor. Editor and
Layout, Gretchen Tucker. Se-
cond class postage paid at
Abilene, Texas 79604, and addi-
tional mailing offices. Published
quarterly by McMurry College,
Abilene, Texas 79697, for the
alumni, parents, faculty, staff,
students and friends. Statements
contained herein represent the
opinions of the authors and do
not necessarily reflect the at-
titude of McMurry College.
Postmaster send address
changes to Chieftain, P.O. Box
335, Abilene, TX 79697.
Published April 1984.
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McMurry College. Chieftain, Volume 33, Number 1, Spring 1984, periodical, Spring 1984; Abilene, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth238700/m1/2/?q=%221984~%22: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting McMurry University Library.