Language Learning as a Gateway to Culture
In sixth grade, after rotating through a semester of Spanish and a semester of Mandarin, I had to choose which language to continue pursuing. This choice would determine which language I was tied to for the remainder of my middle and high school experience. Although that sounds like a lot of pressure for a twelve-year-old, the decision was simple for me.
Even though many students may assume that language courses strictly consist of vocabulary quizzes and giving presentations, in reality, they can often function as cultural studies courses. From my experiences in Spanish, French and Mandarin language courses, I have been taught immensely about norms, traditions, historical contexts and cultural values from language classes alone.
Language Learning Is Cultural Learning
Anna Kaplan, an AUP student who previously lived in Hong Kong, describes the differences between studying Mandarin at an international school there and taking Mandarin classes later in high school in Houston, Texas. “Learning Chinese in my school environment (Hong Kong) piqued my interest in learning its culture, as it forced me to engage with it differently.” When asked about any differences she notices between learning Mandarin in China versus Texas, Kaplan explained, “In Texas, you are taught about Chinese culture in the classroom, but from a third-party perspective. You learn about traditions and holidays such as Lunar New Year, but don’t get the same type of practice.”
Growing up speaking both French and English gave me an early glimpse of how language can shape the way people think and interact. Later, when I started learning Chinese in middle school, that perspective expanded even further. Once I reached college, I chose to minor in Chinese studies at a previous university, and my desire to learn about the culture really skyrocketed. College courses, where students are passionate about the subject, really allow for an expansion of knowledge you wouldn’t get otherwise. Throughout this experience, I not only took Mandarin language courses, but also courses in Chinese literature, culture and even calligraphy. This largely broadened my understanding and interest in Chinese culture, and I can say similarly about my peers as well.
I asked Kaplan if she wishes AUP offered Chinese courses. “Yes, so other people could experience them. It could be difficult, though, because for many students, putting the work into learning French over other languages makes the most sense because we are living here.” Then, I asked Kaplan if she would take a Chinese or foreign culture course as an elective, and she eagerly replied, “Yes, definitely! Even a world culture course would be really interesting. There could be ties not only to culture but also to history and politics.” She feels that “AUP has a large focus on international policy and relations, but learning about world cultures would also be really interesting.”
At AUP, students have the opportunity to take a few languages other than French, such as Arabic and Italian, though the options are very limited. While AUP largely emphasizes international perspectives, expanding language courses could give students more structured ways to engage with global cultures, even if they don’t have prior experience. While organized clubs can encourage this interest, having formal courses in various languages can give students a structured way to engage deeply with global cultures, even without prior experience.
