World Language Department Enriches Lives Through Language and Culture
June 7, 2024
The CDH World Language Department offers three languages — French, Spanish, and Mandarin — and has a seasoned faculty with extensive teaching experience. The department as a whole is committed to enriching students’ lives, not only with learning another language, but by exploring other cultures. According to Spanish teacher and department head Ms. Laura Wasenius, “the two are inseparable.“
Study Abroad Opportunities
Studying abroad provides students with a unique opportunity to experience different cultures, develop language skills, and gain a global perspective. The World Language Department has facilitated many such opportunities.
Mandarin teacher Ms. Nan Wang is taking a group to Taiwan June 11-19, visiting Taipei and Yilan. They will have a busy schedule, including a visit to The Palace and other museums, trying local food and night markets and learning how to cook local dishes. “I am excited to take five very bright and enthusiastic students to Taiwan to experience the culture, practice using Mandarin, and learn more Mandarin throughout the trip.” said Wang.
French and Spanish students have had the opportunity to study abroad in the past few years as well. French students had the trip of a lifetime traveling across France in 2022 with Mr. Chris Babcock and Ms. Jody Cornett. Ms. Rebecca Medellin and Dr. Alexis Howe led a group of Spanish students on a trip to Spain in 2023, spending time and connecting with students from two schools and even making a side trip to the Pyrenees Mountains.
Exploring Cultures
Language classes at CDH are always trying to integrate cultural activities into the curriculum. Cultural projects, such as making Guatemalan muñecas quitapenas (solace dolls) in Spanish class and learning Chinese Calligraphy in Mandarin class help connect language learning with cultural understanding. Lunar New Year was recently celebrated with activities throughout the week and Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is usually celebrated with an Ofrenda and STEM lab activities.
The department also supports cultural engagement beyond the classroom. There is currently a "Community of Latino United" club, as well as an “Asian Culture Club.” Both welcome all students interested in these cultures.
The Importance of Language Learning
Our World Language teachers all agree on the importance of learning a foreign language for many reasons. Mr. Babcock believes it helps develop new cognitive connections and perspectives on life. Ms. Wasenius emphasizes the cultural insights and understanding that come with language learning, which are vital in a global economy. Ms. Wang sees mastering a foreign language as an essential skill for travel and living abroad. “Studying a second language helps to develop more connections in the student's brain,” says Babcock. “It gives them a different perspective on life and how people live in other places.”