Language Arts in a Global World
As global citizens, we can learn foreign languages and have dialogue with people around the world. Some countries even have local dialects that are regional variations of a language. Even if you are not fluent in a foreign language, people who speak a different language will typically appreciate your efforts to learn some basic words and phrases.
Things to Do
Studying the world offers many opportunities to build on your language arts skills. Try visiting websites from other countries. Did the author of the text do a good job of translating the site so you can understand it?
There are many other ways you can develop language skills for global communications. With the knowledge and supervision of a parent, you might want to try being penpals with someone who speaks another language. This can be especially fun if you are both trying to learn each other's language. There are even new technologies such as VOIP (such as at skype.com) that can allow you to speak over the internet without incurring a phone bill.
Things to Think About
How would you decide which language to use when speaking with someone in another country? Do you think it would be easier to communicate in person or on the phone? Can you think of any words in your language that come from another country? Find out if you have any friends at school or in your neighborhood who speak a different language. Perhaps they would be interested in teaching you some words and phrases.
Links
The Internet Public Library has audio samples of how to say hello in a variety of foreign languages.
International radio links can help you learn the sounds and rhythms of a foreign language.
The National Science Foundation offers interesting information about endangered languages, why it is difficult to master sounding like a native speaker, and more.
Audio dictionary lets you hear many words in a variety of foreign languages.
Anacleta's Spanish and other foreign language and culture links.
Omniglot offers foreign alphabets and more.
Skype is one of the pioneers in providing free online phone service. You can use it to talk free with other kids around the world.
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