The Department has no vested interest in the requirement. This statement outlines three basic facts about language learning which are relevant to the debate about the language requirement, and it then presents what we consider to be the three primary legitimate arguments in favor of the language requirement. Our position is that a university-wide language requirement should be retained. Three facts about foreign language learning 1. Starting a foreign language as an adult is not futile.
Adults are capable of learning a foreign language well.
In two years of university-level foreign language instruction, a reasonable working proficiency in a foreign language can be achieved. Like all learning, the success level depends on many factors, including the skill of the teacher and the design of the course, as well as the diligence and motivation of the student. Specific features of the student's native language and of the language being learned may also have an effect. At this level, the student should be able to function reasonably well in ordinary situations. There is much relevant current research into second language acquisition.