Philosophy
Modern Language Department
 

Learning a foreign language forces one to consider the meaning of what he wants to say. Students too often ignore this essential link in their own tongue, but by learning a foreign language they are compelled to connect language and thought. Thus, we believe that, as a discipline, language learning contributes greatly to the intellectual growth of our students.

     As students gradually gain fluency in a foreign language, it is not uncommon to see them become more sophisticated speakers or writers of English as well.

     When students learn a foreign language, they also discover a foreign culture. The new culture, by showing similarities to and differences from their own, helps them to understand and accept others' tastes, opinions, ideas, and traditions. They become more open-minded human beings.

     Indeed, if we recognize that a basic objective for an academic institution is to develop rational, responsive, and responsible individuals who can communicate successfully in a complex world society, then language study plays a key role in their education.

See also:
"Department Goals" on the main Upper School web page.
"Department Goals" on the main Middle School web page.
"Department goals" on the main Lower School web page.