As in the study of piano, the mechanical basics become the vehicles to the art. . . . The awareness of difference and acquisition of another culture through language are the only platforms from which we are able to gain a remote perspective on ourselves and our own culture and language. When we think of foreign travel, we think of foreign language. We should always be mindful that foreign language study, even at home, is travel in cultural and intellectual space. It allows students to communicate with their parents and grandparents in their first language or in the language of their ethnic background.
Language study prepares students for graduate study and research in many fields.
Language study prepares students for international business opportunities, and it increases employment opportunities for students in all professions in a global economy.