An Uncommon Moment for Less Commonly Taught Languages
U.S. Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ)
1:30-2:30 pm
Friday, April 15
University Room, DoubleTree Hotel (formerly the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel)
525 West Johnson Street, Madison, Wisconsin
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Download Congressman Holt's biography
Abstract:
We must eliminate the severe shortage of language professionals in our diplomatic corps, our military, and our intelligence agencies. Our national deficiency in the languages and cultures of critical areas around the world is compromising American security interests at home and abroad. We must develop basic language skills at a much younger age. We must build a wider language base so that more than an elite few are fluent or proficient in foreign languages. These steps are necessary in order compete with emerging economic superpowers such as China and India, where knowledge of foreign languages is more strongly emphasized. Finally, by traveling abroad and learning languages, American citizens can more fully understand and appreciate other cultures, and strengthen their connection with their own.
For more information, contact:
National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages
4231 Humanities Building, 455 North Park Street
(608) 265-7903, ncolctl@mailplus.wisc.edu
Co-sponsored by the National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages, with support from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Language Institute and Division of International Studies and Programs. |
