Why You Should Take a Foreign Language Class in College

So, as we all know, foreign language classes in high school sucked major. The main focus in those classes was random vocab and verb conjugations, and that is not how you are going to become fluent in a language. I took French for three years in high school and don’t have much to show for it except “Oui” and “croissant.”

For the Lit major here at UCSC, I needed to take a year of a foreign language. Figuring that French really wasn’t my thing, I settled on German, and I’ve learned more in two and a half quarters than I did in my whole three years of French in high school. Here’s why it’s awesome:

Conversation: My German teacher, Professor Campbell, (who is one of the best teachers I have ever had) started us off with conversing with each other right off the bat. He used repetition in order to get us comfortable with the pronunciation, and had all the words written to help with sounding them out. By the end of the first day, everyone could say “good morning,” “my name is…,” “I’m from…,” “How are you,” etc, basic phrases to introduce yourself. As the classes advanced, we were all able to have actual conversations with one another. Sure they don’t flow completely smooth all the time, but practice makes perfect right?

Built in vocab: Everyday, we ask questions to our partner that relate to the chapter we are studying. Without realizing it, we are learning the vocab, simply by asking and answering the questions provided by the teacher. I barely had to study for the vocab tests since it was already built in to my memory, a much better way of learning than cramming twenty minutes before the test (like I used to do for French).

 Listening to the language: The first quarter, there was still a lot of English in the classroom, especially to make sure we were understanding what the assignments were and such. As I moved into accelerated German 2, I didn’t even notice as professor Campbell slowly started weaning us off English. Now in German 4, everything is taught in only German, making our ears attuned to the language. The level that our teacher speaks pertains to us, so everyone can understand. If my French teacher started talking to us in only French in high school, I would have been so lost. Watching T.V. in the language you are studying will also help.

Anyone can do it: If you are willing to put in the time, you will learn the language. There is tutoring help if you need it, and getting groups together to study for tests and doing homework is a good idea as well. Read out loud to yourself to practice pronunciation, and make a foriegn friend that knows the language you are learning if you need help!

I definitely recommend that you consider taking a foreign language during your college years. Yes, it is a lot of work, but it is so worth it. Learning it fluently can mean studying abroad opportunities, jobs, new friends, the benefits are endless! I’m even considering doing the Italian course after I finish German, just for funsies.