|
|
|
 |
| |
|
| |
|
Editorial Staff
Jamie
Rowe
Editor in Chief
Austin
Lewis
Managing Editor
JENNIFER
FREHN
News Editor
STARR T. BALMER
City Editor
Lesley
Nickus
Diversions Editor
Bradley
Zint
Opinion Editor
Lauren
Williams
Assistant Opinion Editor
Kim
Oswell
Sports Editor
Brigid
McGuire
Calendar Editor
TRACEY
ROMAN
Photo Editor
ELYSSE
JAMES
Copy Editor
DAVID
WHISLER
Copy Editor
Beverly
Munson
General Manager
Jennie
Lessel
Assistant to the General Manager
Jovanna
Rosado
Advertising
Representative
Sara
Watanasirisuk
Gynneth Harper
Daisy Cisneros
Stacy
Hopper
Office Assistants
Jamie
Eggleston
Production Manager
Sara Watanasirisuk
Sarah Leavitt
Production Assistant
Gia Marie Trovela
Web Assistant
Lin Jay Wang
Circulation Staff
|
| |
|
|
 |
| . |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Linguiphile
ramblings encourage studying
Elizabeth Holmes
It took me longer than most of the other first graders to master reading, and
consequently I sat at the dreaded slow readers table. I was determined, even
at a young age, to master the written English language.
I surrounded myself in books at home, and found myself quickly wrapped up in
the world of Dr. Seuss and other children’s writers. I loved reading out
loud. I loved feeling the way my mouth formed the sounds spelled out on paper.
My triumph was soon taken for granted as I moved on to the “red” reading
group, higher grades and longer books. I quickly forgot the small joys of feeling
the words escape my lips, feeling the letters cling to the tips of my teeth.
I was reintroduced to this feeling, however, my freshman year of high school,
in my beginning French class. Again, I had a child’s capacity for speaking
and reading; I was constantly being introduced to new sounds. Slowly I remembered
the ecstasy of teaching my mouth to take the shape of a new utterance.
I still have a sort of giddy delight each time I am introduced to a new language.
I hardly have a perfect accent in most languages and dialects I come across,
but I still take pleasure in hearing new tongue twisters or learning a phrase
in a new language.
It has come to my attention, however, in the past few years, that I am not in
complete unison with the rest of the country in my passion for languages. I am
hearing more and more often of people who do not want to learn a new language
because it simply is just too hard. But like perfecting a chemical formula or
an 80 mph fastball, a language takes dedication and time.
By challenging oneself with a new language, a student broadens his or her ability
to communicate, opening up a new world of opportunity. A language student may
be more inclined to study abroad or travel without the worries of a language
barrier.
While it is true many foreign citizens speak English, that is not a reason to
not attempt to assimilate ourselves to another culture while in a foreign land.
Contrary to most students’ beliefs, attempting to speak a different language
will usually please a foreigner, with your “cute American accent.”
Besides, why not have a second language ready to flash around? People openly
recognize the challanges of learning a language, and when one is mastered, the
speaker is given a certain amount of respect for their work and dedication.
I assure you that it is never unpleasant to know how to read a fancy menu properly,
and know what you are eating. Nor is it objectionable to be able to add one more
line on your resume.
Next time you are taking a language class or fulfilling your GE requirements,
try not to think of it as an unbearable punishment. Instead, try saying the words
slowly, letting the words come out, and creating a traceable new pattern on your
lips.
A new language is an open door to the rest of the world with a silver lining.
By reading this, you have obviously moved past the red reading group, so you
might as well challenge yourself and take a language course. I’m sure everyone
could use the four units, and honestly, a little bit of international spice in
their schedule.
Elizabeth Holmes is a freshman linguistics major.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
