WHY LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE?
|
Learning a foreign language can help you:
Expand, enhance or find a rewarding career
Communicate more effectively in the workplace
Open doors to exciting travel opportunities
Develop a greater understanding of other people and cultures
Stay intellectually challenged
|
 |
At Creative Language Center, we believe the cliches are true: the world is becoming a smaller place; companies are doing business in a global economy; the understanding and acceptance of other cultures will lead to a happier life and a safer planet.
Nowhere are these trends more evident than in Austin, where the growth in population diversity has been enormous. The Hispanic population has surged this decade, growing at a rate of almost 21 a day in Travis County, where Hispanics make up one-fourth of the population. Projections show that a majority of the state's population will be non-Anglo by 2008. These changes are manifesting themselves in the workplace, in schools, in advertising, in the social and cultural scene, in nearly every aspect of our daily lives.
In the face of these changes, there is going to be one key to success: COMMUNICATION. Those able to communicate effectively in both a diverse American society and in a smaller global environment will be the most successful in their personal and professional lives.
WHY LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE AT CREATIVE LANGUAGE CENTER?
|
At CLC, we believe that you will NOT learn to speak a foreign language by having:
|
| * |
Instructors who may speak a foreign
language well, but who don't have the training orexperience
to teach it. |
| * |
Too many students per class, leaving little, if any, time for individual oral practice. |
| * |
Classes taught to you mostly in your native language. |
| |
| At CLC, you WILL learn to speak a foreign language by having: |
| * |
Trained, native-speaking instructors with experience teaching foreign languages. |
| * |
Only 3-6 students per group class. |
| * |
Classes taught to you mostly in the language you are trying to learn. |
| * |
A fun, informal, relaxed atmosphere. |
| * |
The opportunity to practice your new
language in class, and at our Wednesday free sessions. |
At CLC, our Spanish and ESL classes have three aims:
1. To provide you with ample opportunity to hear and
speak your new language on a regular basis.
2. To teach you to understand what native,
educated speakers are really saying.
3. To give you insight into a foreign culture
as seen by a native speaker.
In order to accomplish these aims, the course follows a functional-communicative approach, which means that emphasis is on "communicating that which would be of immediate use to you in everyday living." To encourage the habit of thinking in your new language from the beginning, classes are taught mostly in that language. The meaning of words is generally conveyed through pictures, drawings, real objects and mimicry. However, when necessary, your native language may also be used.
To give structure to the words you're learning, grammar is thoroughly explained and internalized through continuous practice. To reinforce what is studied in class, there is a workbook for home use.
Homework Is a Very Important Part of This Course
It is important for you to remember that learning a foreign language involves the progressive acquisition of a skill. Any progress made in the study of a language will mostly depend on the amount of time and effort you devote to it. Do not expect miracles. Great material or skillful teachers cannot accomplish much if there is no real interest and commitment on your part.
On the other hand, have fun exploring a new way of thinking, be enthusiastic about stretching your memory, be willing to experiment with making unfamiliar sounds, and you'll be on your way to one of the most rewarding intellectual experiences of your life!
|
