World Languages
Speak, listen and be heard
We see the acquisition of a second (or even a third) language as essential to successful participation in the world community; language and cultural acumen are instrumental 21st-century skills.
We aim to prepare Westtown students for an interconnected world in which people of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds collaborate together in the workplace of the future. Immersion in additional languages and working towards fluency are essential tools for a global world. We offer Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Latin.
Students who complete four years of language study will have gained:
- Language immersion in the classroom, providing a high level of proficiency in communicating spontaneously in the spoken languages
- Appreciation for a culture and way of thinking differently from the student’s own way of thinking
- An ability to communicate by listening, speaking, reading, and writing at least one additional language
- Travel abroad and language immersion opportunities in China, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Greece, and Rome, where participants gain first-hand immersion experience and close connections with local people
Latin
- Focus on the study of grammar, vocabulary, history and culture associated
classical Latin - Although most of the class is conducted in English, oral exercises are
conducted in Latin - Study of the etymological and syntactical connections between Latin
and English is used to increase proficiency in both languages - Students who complete a full course of study in Latin are able to translate original works of Latin authors and analyze them in the appropriate contexts of history, literature and philosophy
- Student-run Latin Club
- Linguistic and cultural immersion opportunity in Rome
Chinese
- Focus on the study of grammar, vocabulary as well as skills in listening speaking, reading and writing
- Near immersion setting
- Communicative and expeditionary learning approach
- Students who complete a full course of study in Mandarin are able to communicate with intermediate proficiency and engage in dialogue about Chinese culture, history and literature
- Student-run Chinese Club
- Exchange with The Royal Academy of Beijing
Spanish
- Focus on the study of grammar, vocabulary, history and cultures associate with Spanish-speaking world
- Near immersion setting
- Communicative and Expeditionary learning approach
- Students who complete a full course of study in Spanish are able to communicate with advanced proficiency and engage in academic dialogue about Hispanic history, literature and culture
- Language immersion opportunity in Cuba
- Service opportunities through La Comunidad Hispana
