Global Updates From World View

December 2004

Selamat pagi Jambo Aloha Bonjour

nyobzoo Bom dia Nazdar Bore da

Hello Merhaba Guten Tag Ba'ax ka wa'alik Päivää Hola

God dag Buna ziua Buon giorno Magandang tanghali po Szia

The source for the languages expressed above is www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/hello

A current resolution before the US Senate establishes 2005 as The Year of Languages . This initiative emphasizes the importance of gaining proficiency in world languages, other than English, for personal fulfillment and career enrichment. The priority will be to lay the foundation for the future of world language education in the United States , to be achieved through several focus areas including: building public awareness of the value of language learning, facilitating dialogue between education leaders and policy-makers, and encouraging and supporting research on language learning. The Year of Languages will be celebrated throughout the year with various activities across the country. Each month will have a different focus, as indicated below.

Consider proclaiming 2005 as the Year of Languages at your school, as several schools including UNC-Chapel Hill have done. For more information visit The Year of Languages website: www.yearoflanguages.org

Additional websites:

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages www.actfl.org Not only is ACTFL the coordinating organization for The Year of Languages celebration and activities, it is a national organization dedicated to language learning. The website gives additional information on publications, membership, and professional development opportunities.

Languages of the World www.nvtc.gov/lotw This site, sponsored by the National Virtual Translation Center, has a wealth of information on languages, language study, writing systems, endangered and internet languages. Each month a different language family will be featured and visitors can take a year-long virtual tour examining linguistic diversity across our planet.