Linguistically+competent

=In a global society competency in one or more world languages is an essential 21st century skill.=

An inverted triangle is often used to show that as students advance their proficiency, the amount of time and practice needed to reach the next Progress Checkpoint increases. A student can move relatively quickly through the early stage of mimicking memorized words and phrases—a stage that is limited, controlled, and comfortable. However, longer periods of practice and an increasingly meaningful volume of experiences are necessary to move into later stages of development characterized by flexible, challenging, and creative use of language.



[|Multilingualism and Creativity]

 * Multilingualism broadens access to information
 * Multilingualism offers alternative ways of organising thought
 * Multilingualism offers alternative ways of perceiving the surrounding world
 * Learning a new language increases the potential for creative thought

[|Speaking in tongues:] What would it be like if your parents put you in a school where the teacher
spoke a foreign language? //Speaking in Tongues// uses this scenario to explore the provocative notion that being bilingual can be a national asset. Taking us beyond rote arguments and stereotypes, this intimate film witnesses the joys and challenges of four diverse children on their journey to become global citizens. Enter their world and ask, today is knowing one language enough? media type="custom" key="5415057"

[|Learning difficulty of some languages for English speakers]
People often ask: "How long will it take me to become proficient in language X?" This question is impossible to answer because a lot depends on a person's language learning ability, motivation, learning environment, intensity of instruction, and prior experience in learning foreign languages. Last, but not least, it depends on the level of proficiency the person wishes to attain.
 * How long will it take to become proficient in a foreign language?**

[|100 Tips & Tools to Teach Your Child a Second Language]
Research done over the last decade suggests people who speak more than one language tend to outperform monolinguists. Moreso, children who grow up bilingual have an easier time in school and make better grades. Why not do your child a favor and start her early? From the earliest days to high school and continued education, there is something you can do to give your child the multilingual advantage.

[|Languages smarten up your brain]: Study on the Contribution of Multilingualism to Creativity:

[|The Neural Advantage of Speaking 2 Languages: Bilingual people process certain words faster than others]

[|Concordia Language Villages - Concordia Language Villages] //Concordia Language Villages// is the Most Extensive Language and Culture Immersion Camp in the United States.

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 * [[image:file/view/global_language_project.png link="http://www.globallanguageproject.org/"]]
 * [|Global Language Project] || [|Global Language Project on Facebook] ||

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 * [|Speak up for languages]

An excellent site with links for language learning and reasons for studying languages in an increasingly globally connected world.
**Language lessons and activities from the Peace Corps:** Enhance your world language study with authentic resources!

media type="custom" key="5104109" || [|Be tough, take a foreign language] media type="custom" key="5104111" ||
 * [|Listen to the voices of students]
 * [[image:lang.jpg width="320" height="288" link="http://www.celebratelanguages.com/TipsIdeas.html"]] ||  ||

[|US Global Competence Website]
The American Council on Education and Coalition for International Education are pleased to announce the launch of [|www.usglobalcompetence.org] [|.] This new website highlights the urgent need for international and foreign language education to become part of the core mission of the U.S. education system from K-12 through graduate school.