Introduction

Learning any world language involves the development of the skills discussed above, but language programs vary, based on the type of learning environment and the unique aspects of the languages themselves. There is value in studying any of the world languages, and the decision of which language to study is made by the student, based on interest and available offerings.

Classical Language programs involve the study of languages like Latin and Ancient Greek, which are sometimes called “dead” languages, since they are no longer a native or first language for any population. The study of Classical Languages builds skills in reading, writing, reciting, and translating. There is no conversation component to Classical Languages, because they are not being used in an everyday way by a society, so Interpersonal Communication is not a focus of study.

Dual & Heritage Language programs include dual language/immersion programs where students are taught academic content in two languages, English and the target language, as well as Spanish for Native Speaker or other heritage languages taught to native speakers. In dual language/immersion programs, students are learning math, science, social studies, etc., in two languages and become bilingual and biliterate as a result. For heritage language speakers, such as those who speak Spanish or some other language besides English at home, heritage language programs help build literacy skills in reading and writing, so that they can bridge into advanced language courses.

Modern Language programs involve the study of languages that are a first or native language for a population somewhere in the world. These programs are the most common and are often what comes to mind when world language or foreign language classes are mentioned. In North Carolina, the following languages are studied as modern languages: American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Cherokee, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Additional modern languages could be added to this list at any time and would use the same set of Essential Standards, Clarifying Objectives, and Assessment Prototypes.