Foreign Languages, Conversational
Program Summary
Between 1994 and 2000, the total US labor force grew by 10 million workers – almost half of whom were foreign-born residents according to the Employment Policy Foundation. The supply of immigrant workers is not only plentiful; it is also diverse in its talents. Immigrant workers fill critical technical and managerial positions as well as entry-level jobs. Some CEOs have discovered a wealth of workers pre-trained in exactly the skills needed to fill jobs at their companies. To tap the talents of the immigrant population, companies use a variety of strategies, including hiring bilingual supervisors, diversity training, promoting open communication and cultural awareness, providing access to ESL / VESL or other language services, and translating work materials (e.g. handbooks and training manuals) into multiple languages.
The business climate is changing too. We often face our foreign clients through electronic desktops, where the information from e-mail, videoconferencing, corporate chat-rooms, and web sites is ever current; the delivery often instantaneous. Of the estimated 310 million regular internet users in the world, nearly 60% are from outside North America, and only about 50% are English-speaking. Little wonder that there are now more web pages not in English than in there are in English.
With the evolution of telecommunications, the Internet, air travel and international commerce, you’ll soon be entering a work force that expects you to be familiar with foreign languages and cultures. Whether you’re a corporate executive required to conduct business in foreign countries or a researcher collaborating with counterparts abroad, study of foreign languages and cultures will enable you to increase your understanding of the international workplace. Additionally, you’ll improve your cross cultural communication, and ultimately, you’ll lead a more productive career with endless employment possibilities.
Employment Trends
- In the US, there are at least 25.5 million people -- 13 percent of the nation’s population -- who earn a living, buy goods and services, and provide for their families without speaking English.
- Spanish is the most widely spoken foreign tongue in the US, spoken by 13.2 million adults. French has claimed the number two spot, followed by German, Chinese, Tagalog, Polish, Korean, East Indian, Vietnamese and Japanese.
- There is a dire need for foreign language expertise due to the escalating number of security threats. The FBI has a million pages and hours of intercepted conversations to translate with a backlog that’s hindering its ability to prevent and investigate some crimes.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
- Coursework leading to award of a Continuing Education Certificate is offered upon completion of 60-hours total in this area. Sign language courses may also count toward the certificate.
Learning objectives across all languages remain fairly consistent:
- Conduct short conversations on simple subjects including responding to simple questions
- Converse and write intelligently about themes discussed in class including the use of simple grammar and pronunciation
- Write simple sentences in the present tense and conjugate regular and irregular verbs
- Demonstrate an increased knowledge of customs and culture
Most of the foreign language courses are geared to the complete beginner, who has little or no previous knowledge of the language. If a student; has no previous language experience, he/she should take Part I of the course. For non-beginners, Parts II and III are offered in French and Spanish only.
Classes are generally taught by native speakers of the language and emphasize cultural understanding and speaking as well as vocabulary acquisition and grammar concepts. Reading and writing are used only as a vehicle for verbal skills. Textbooks are required for all levels of language study.
Students whose native language is not English, but would like to learn English, should consider the curriculum for English as a Second Language (ESL). Please contact the PGCC Foreign Student Counselor at 301-322-0840.