Empowerment. This is a word that is frequently used, but what does it really mean? The word “empower” implies the ability to promote the self-actualization of or influence of an individual or group.
Modern and Classical Language Studies is doing just that. The department has fifty-two faculty members who are dedicated to helping students reach their full potential, academically and socially.
The study of languages other than English provides cognitive benefits, increased vocabulary knowledge, and higher scores on standardized tests. Some studies even posit that learning a second language can stave off Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia in later years.
In addition to the cognitive benefits, knowing another language opens up more opportunities in the job market. This can range from careers that directly use a world language, such as translation, teaching, and interpreting to those careers that can be augmented by knowing another language, including business, medicine, law, or the service professions. According to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), there has been a 30% increase in bilingual remote jobs since 2020. And a 2019 survey among U.S. employers conducted by ACTFL has revealed the following:
- 9 out of 10 employers rely on employees who can speak languages other than English.
- 56% reported that their demand for bi/multilingual speakers will increase in the next five years.
- 1 in 3 reported a language skills gap.
- 1 in 4 has lost business due to a lack of foreign language skills.
The study of a language can encourage social skills, empathy, and an appreciation of other cultures. Having even some limited exposure to another language and culture can help a student to broaden their horizons and to embrace humanity. Learning a second language is a great way to encourage people to embrace diversity and discover the world outside of the United States and to become a global citizen. Opportunities for study abroad can offer students invaluable opportunities to practice their language skills and experience the culture first-hand.
More and more, speakers of other languages besides English are being integrated into the American landscape. At Kent State, we teach classes exploring French, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Italian, and Hebrew. As far as the non-spoken languages, we offer courses in Latin and American Sign Language. The major in American Sign Language is one of the fastest growing majors in the United States.
Not only does Kent State offer a variety of languages for study, we also have a licensure program for future teachers of those languages. Of note, Kent State is the only university in Ohio to offer multi-age licensure in the teaching of American Sign Language as a foreign language. Students who wish to teach a language in Ohio major in the language and minor in education. Courses in teaching methodology, classroom management, and lesson planning help to prepare these future teachers. In addition, they learn about the importance of advocacy for the promotion of languages.
The vast majority of our graduates get teaching jobs right after graduating from Kent State. In fact, the department regularly gets phone calls and emails looking for world language teachers to fill those positions. American Sign Language particularly has seen unprecedented growth, and the demand for teachers is high. World language teachers empower their students by helping them to become better human beings as they gain awareness, appreciation, and connection with world languages.