Why Learn a Foreign Language at Nicholls State University?

1. Why Learn a Foreign Language at Nicholls State University? A Quick Guide to French and Spanish at Nicholls and Beyond

2. Great Career Choices for Foreign Language Students • International Business • International Law • Graduate programs requiring foreign languages • International public health careers (Doctors without Borders) • Civil Service / Diplomacy • Social Services • Comparative Literature • History • Banking • Service Industries

3. Benefits of Learning Another Language • Knowing another language transforms vision and perception, enabling one to see the world through others’ eyes, think in new ways, and thereby gain new perspectives on one’s own world. • Studying another language provides a better grasp of the grammar and subtleties of one's own language, a wider and more sophisticated vocabulary, and insights into our own cultural assumptions and values. • Learning one language facilitates more rapid acquisition of other languages. • Monolingualism limits people culturally.

4. The Importance of Travel and Cultural Literacy • Nicholls State’s Languages and Literature Department has courses in Spanish and French literature, art, film studies, and cultural studies. • We offer study-abroad programs and opportunities in Mexico, Spain, France, Canada, Belgium, and here in Louisiana. • Our programs offer students the opportunity to improve language skills and cultural understanding in a range of environments.

5. More Reasons to Learn Spanish • Nearby Spanish-speaking nations and our large Spanish-speaking migrant and immigrant population make Spanish a necessity for travelers, businesspeople, contractors, farmers, and so many others. • Estimates indicate that U.S. citizens spend more travel time in Spanish-speaking countries than in any other non-Anglophone countries.

6. The Importance of Spanish in North America • Close to 30 million people living in the U.S. are Hispanic. • Soon one out of every six people living in the U.S. will be Hispanic, the largest minority in the United States. • There are more than 16,000 Spanish publications, 250 Spanish TV stations and 5,100 Spanish radio stations in the United States. • Nearly every profession needs Spanish-speaking employees to cope with the rising Hispanic population.

7. Spanish Is the Fourth Most Commonly Spoken Language in the World • Official language on four continents and in 21 countries on four continents • One of the largest markets for businesses and one of the most useful languages for travel, Spanish is spoken by over 300 million people. • An official language in the European Union, United Nations, and many other international organizations.

8. Bilingualism • The Bayou Region of Louisiana traditionally was home to French speaking Cajuns, Native Americans, and Creoles. • English monolingual society hindered a bilingual culture in Louisiana such as those in Canada, Belgium,and many African countries. • Studies have shown that bilingual education doesn’t hurt children’s linguistic abilities; on the contrary, children become more competent communicators by learning two languages.

9. Why Study French? • Spoken by over 200 million people in 43 countries on five continents. • French literature is one of the richest and most influential of the modern European world; many great works are more meaningful and accessible in French.

10. French Cultures • There is currently great interest in the literature and culture of many Francophone countries and regions, especially in Africa and the Caribbean. • French-language authors from outside France such as Patrick Chamoiseau, Maryse Condé, and Assia Djébar now have international followings. • Approximately 45% of English vocabulary comes from French. As you learn French, you also enhance your grammar and vocabulary skills in English.

11. Business Opportunities in French • Many American companies are well established in France; IBM, Microsoft, Mattel, Dow, and Apple all operate there. • Many French companies have a strong presence in American markets. Michelin, L’Occitane, Dannon, and Bic are well known French names in the U.S. This does not even touch on the greater Francophone business world!

12. Finally • You can finally find out what your grandparents are saying!

13. La fin