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World Languages

Chinese class

Through the study of other languages, students gain a knowledge and understanding of the cultures that use that language.

Summit graduates are prepared, honorable, curious, accepting, and socially responsible. To that end, a study of another language and culture is crucial.

The student experience begins with Spanish instruction 2-3 days per week in our Eaglets (3 year old program). Spanish instruction continues through 5th grade.

In addition to continuing their Spanish studies, 5th grade students will also have the opportunity to spend time learning about Chinese and Latin so that families can make a World Language decision for Upper School. 

 

Lower School World Languages

Upper School World Languages

 

Curriculum and Philosophy

Our World Language curriculum builds upon the philosophy, mission, and standards of the The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Their standards encompass these five goal areas: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.

  • Communication is at the heart of second language study, whether the communication takes place face-to-face, in writing, or across centuries through the reading of literature.
  • Through the study of other languages, students gain a knowledge and understanding of the cultures that use that language and, in fact, cannot truly master the language until they have also mastered the cultural contexts in which the language occurs.
  • Learning languages provides connections to additional bodies of knowledge that may be unavailable to the monolingual English speaker.
  • Through comparisons and contrasts with the language being studied, students develop insight into the nature of language and the concept of culture and realize that there are multiple ways of viewing the world.

 

Together, these elements enable the student of languages to participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world in a variety of contexts and in culturally appropriate ways. So, while grammar and vocabulary are essential tools for communication, it is the acquisition of the ability to communicate in meaningful and appropriate ways with users of other languages that is the ultimate goal of today’s foreign language classroom. -(ACTFL)