Language Study: The Cultural Factor


BY LUSINE STEPANIAN


he more languages you know the more human you are.” In my late twenties, with seven languages under my belt, I’m thankful to my grandmother for this proverb. Being multilingual means conversing in multiple languages, using different muscle functions, accessing multiple memories, mentalities, cultures and identities. Growing up in Armenia exposed me to a multilingual society, where I learned Armenian and Russian. From there, studies in France, Italy, Spain and Mexico have fed my foreign language cravings.


“T


Students say learning languages abroad and immersing yourself in the culture opens up new doors and teaches you how to live in a foreign language, but it’s not that simple. There are many different kinds of immersion experiences available for each language. The key is to choose the right one for you.


Spanish, for example is spoken in over 20 countries on four continents. Students can ask themselves, “Along with Spanish, what else would I like to learn?” Mayan history? The impact of globalization on Latin American economies? Caribbean music?


Language dialects can also influence your choice of country.


Rolf Apetz, a scientist from Germany, decided to study in Mexico because he felt that Mexicans generally have a milder accent and speak slower than in other Latin countries. He chose Playa del Carmen because he wanted a mix of nature, culture and partying along with easily understood Spanish.


Another factor is the location of the town itself. Eugene 24 : verge RESOURCE SERIES


Seidalin, a software developer from Toronto, studied French in the village of Trois-Pistoles, Quebec. “In such a small and remote village it is nearly impossible to communicate with locals in English and it helps a lot to pick up French.”


Studying at a university level with locals provides an advanced academic and cultural learning opportunity. York University offers exchange programmes with partnered universities where students can learn a language while continuing their formal studies in German or French. Université Lumière in Lyon, France is one of the partners. Once students master French, they are placed in courses with locals and can earn credits in French literature and other subjects, all taught in French. A group of universities offers similar programmes in Germany, China, India and France.


I learned Italian and art history in


Florence, where we toured cathedrals and museums after class. As our art history teacher said, “You are now in Italy, so you must learn our history in Italian.”


FOCUS ON : Study Abroad


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30