Release Date: December 30, 2004

Monmouth College president Richard Giese (second from right) presents a proclamation to Capron Professor of Classics Tom Sienkewicz, which declares 2005 as “The Year of Languages.” Also participating in the presentation are Donald Professor of Modern Foreign Languages Sue Holm and vice president for academic affairs Rajkumar Ambrose.

MONMOUTH, Ill. — Monmouth College is the first private college in the United States to proclaim 2005 as The Year of Languages.

The proclamation, issued by President Richard Giese in support of an initiative by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), calls on all Americans in the coming months to increase their appreciation for and participation in the study of foreign languages.

“The benefits of lifelong language learning are truly endless, particularly in today’s increasingly global community,” Giese said. “Multilingualism is the key to forming international trade partnerships, combating terrorism and promoting peace. It can also help save lives in times of natural disaster, such as the current tsunami relief efforts in Asia.”

Giese said that because employees entering today’s work force must be able to understand and be understood by a diverse population, Monmouth College supports the vision statement of The Year of Languages that all Americans should be proficient in at least one language and culture in addition to English. He added that foreign language education must be part of the core curriculum and be treated as central to the education of all children.

According to Rajkumar Ambrose, MC’s vice president for academic affairs, Monmouth recently completed a comprehensive review of its curriculum that led to a greater emphasis on language study, off-campus programs and exchange agreements with foreign universities. “Governments and industry both have a pressing need for employees with a clear understanding of the cultures and languages of other countries,” he explained, adding, “As one whose native language is Tamil, I am particularly aware of this importance.”

Ambrose noted that four members of Monmouth’s political economy and commerce faculty traveled to Japan last summer to develop curricular components for the college’s new international business major. He said Monmouth is also hoping to offer the study of the Japanese language to the curriculum next year.

Professor Tom Sienkewicz, the college’s coordinator of off-campus study, said 2005 will be a year of new language initiatives at Monmouth, with students visiting from such countries as Finland and Sweden, and Monmouth sending its first student to study in Scotland. “There is no better way to learn a foreign language than to be immersed in the culture where the language is spoken,” he said. “Conversely, it is extremely valuable to have students and faculty from other countries spend a semester or longer on our campus.

Sienkewicz, who also chairs Monmouth’s classics department, said that the study of ancient languages such as Latin and Greek remains a key component of a well-rounded education, and he has helped lead a nationwide crusade to encourage students to pursue careers as Latin teachers. “There is currently a severe shortage of Latin teachers, just as there is a shortage of foreign language teachers in general,” he said. “It is my hope that the Year of Languages will help call attention to this need.”

Sue Holm, who chairs Monmouth’s department of foreign languages, says plans are currently being developed for a major celebration of languages at Monmouth in 2005. “Rosanna Warren, an internationally recognized poet, translator and teacher, will be our keynote speaker during Foreign Languages Week in March. Other speakers will include Max Morel, who has just returned from working with Doctors Without Borders in Africa,” she said. Holm added that in addition to a series of special activities throughout the year, her department is also planning a major guest lecture next fall.

Released by the Office of College Communications
Barry McNamara, Associate Director of College Communications
Phone: 309-457-2117
Fax: 309-457-2330