Ronan Keohane’s Post

One of my passions is to learn new languages. Some of the language I speak today, I learned at college, before Duolingo. Those language skills have served me well. Working at a global tech company, I hear different languages every day, and I relish that. I was a bit surprised to see that enrollment in foreign languages at U.S. colleges and universities has dropped 16.6% between the fall of 2016 and the fall of 2021, based on a report by the Modern Language Association (MLA). There are several factors that contribute to that decline; schools are trimming programs with fewer students, such as languages, as they boost up more popular STEM programs. This is at odds with the future of work for science and tech jobs. Most global companies are STEM companies. Why can STEM programs that prepare students for a global work environment not include languages? #education #global #communications

Greetings to all of you who teach international students (and may sometimes feel frustrated with lack of student engagement or students not "following the rules")! Here's a quick reminder to be mindful of our own biases and expectations! Help your #multilingual international students engage in class and with class materials through support rather than judgement. We all have our expectations of what a good student or teacher "should" be like. See how we can increase the likelihood of a positive learning outcome for our learners and remember: - Silence may be a sign of respect rather than lack of engagement! - How much contextual knowledge is needed to understand your message (or jokes)? - What we see as plagiarism, may again be a sign of respecting the word of authority. Guide your students to understand your expectations rather than jumping straight to punishment. And finally, learn your students' names! Remember to be your true authentic (best) self and practice empathy! (Just like with your family and colleagues), we may not always be aware of the challenges our students are currently facing, so let's assume goodwill and reap the benefits of the joyful work we are entrusted with. Thank you.

A truly disappointing headline to see today on Axios... While I fully support STEM programs and think they are incredibly beneficial in myriad ways, it's unfortunate to see #foreignlanguage enrollment take such a steep dive. From a personal standpoint, foreign language classes were the highlight (and proved to be among the most useful) of my university coursework; early on, I worked in our Global Education office helping to coordinate Study Abroad programs (especially when language barriers arose), was able to take on an internship abroad, which led to a new career path, have been able to overcome miscommunication and cultural differences in corporate roles, and have been able to build connections both personally and professionally as direct results of speaking foreign languages. Not to mention most of my friends came from French, Spanish, or German club! Having studied several myself, I firmly believe that understanding the linguistic intricacies of foreign languages gives a deeper understanding of culture, beyond just translating the words themselves. The phrasing, meaning, and idiomatic expressions used in daily life vary immensely from culture to culture; recognizing these subtleties can go a long way in building understanding and creating successful relationships. A former teacher I hold in very high regard once said, "Une personne qui parle deux langues en vaut deux" (literally, a person who speaks two languages is worth two, or in her words, 'has two souls'). I truly hope the trend changes. I hope that current and future students (and decision makers in our country's universities) once again recognize and appreciate the value of foreign languages. Yes, language apps and AI translation services promise to make interpretation/translation instantaneous, but I'd argue that in an ever-changing, ever-shrinking world, it's important for humans to overcome barriers often caused by differences in language. Opening the mind to a new language is literally opening the mind to a new way of thinking; you never know what you just might learn. #LanguageLearning #CollegeTrends

Muy elocuente Samantha: "The phrasing, meaning, and idiomatic expressions used in daily life vary immensely from culture to culture; recognizing these subtleties can go a long way in building understanding and creating successful relationships." I think this is more representative of the way Universities have devalued language study and the Humanities in general. In terms of students of Foreign Languages and the increase in interest, while hard to quantify could also be measured in the explosion of Language learning software and their users (i.e. Babbel, Duolingo, Rosetta Stone to name a few), jobs requesting language proficiency as well as increased international travel and collaboration.

I finally found the Japanese classmate's name in 2016-2017 on Linkedin. And I found I was wrong regarding her information. Her name is Yumi Yumi Kiguchi, not Miko. She went to LSE not UCL after 2016-2017, the same university as classmate MaiQi (Maggie) Song (宋迈琦), and she didn't study something regarding to environment engineering. MaiQi (Maggie) Song was studying at LSE for her bachelor degree, and she was seperated into another group with a Canadian student graduated from Harvard, a Russian student graduated from UCL, a South African student who studied MBA at Said Business School after our course, Ruby from the US, and three dimplomats from Taiwan province of China. The three diplomats from Taiwan province were also studying a few course with my cohort regarding grammer of Academic English/ criticial thinking ( not sure of the courses here), but their English level was closed to native speaker, and their essays can get 80, so they didn't study with my group together anymore. There was no agenda for me to social or network with anyone not only in my course, but also at Oxford. I went to the social activities to enjoy the food, experience the cultural differences, to learn English and new knowledge with my curiosity. If I felt the event was enjoyable, I would follow it. If I felt the people in the event were not nice or I might not know people and the environment clearly at beginning then I was clear, I left it and changed a new one. Oxford has enough societies and groups to explore, it was worth to keep trying something new. These were the reasons for me to finally found a couple of groups which I can always learn something new: for example, Oxford Strategic Study Group. They had lectures nearly every week for once, they didn't force people to do small talks or other communication activities. It was simple for me to go directly, get a cozy seat and jot down the notes of the lecturer. They spoke natural and native English with their local accent but polished languages, I think their literacy skills were as high as the Medieveal Society Group, but the latter only has one lecture every term. So, I cherish the learning opportunities to improve my English literacy skills and practice the approaches of note-taking skills which learnt from Oxford and UCL, and also examine wether my English was improved, because I cannot understand what they were talking about for many years. When I can take notes to follow their saying, I found that I still cannot fully understand eveything, and with the critical thinking practices, I think I should not believe in their words without doing research. And I was not going to do any research because they were related to military literacy or international relationships or professional diplomacy studies, therefore, I turned to be curious about wether their narrtives can be influencial, and how many audiences in the lecture room would fully believe in their words, and who would not. Silas Brown, 你觉得有什么奇怪的地方吗？并没有。

Language Barriers in University: A Call for Inclusivity Language barriers in educational settings, such as universities, can significantly impact students' academic and emotional well-being. At institutions, relying on regional languages for official or unofficial communications can create challenges for non-local and international students, leading to feelings of exclusion and frustration. Language barriers can lead to various psychological issues, including anxiety, frustration, and a sense of isolation. Students who struggle with the language of instruction often experience reduced participation and engagement in academic activities, which can negatively affect their self-esteem and motivation (Library & Information Science Education Network, n.d.). Miscommunication due to language barriers can result in misunderstandings of course material, incorrect completion of assignments, and poor academic performance (The Classroom, 2017). Students who face language barriers may also experience social isolation. Difficulty in understanding and using the language of instruction can hinder their ability to form friendships and participate in group activities, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and alienation (DoveMed, n.d.). To create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment, universities should consider the following strategies: 1. Use of English as a Common Medium: Given that English is often the medium of instruction at the postgraduate level, using English for all official communications can help bridge the gap for non-local students. 2. Language Support Programs: Implementing language support programs, such as English language classes or tutoring, can help students improve their proficiency and confidence in using the language (Library & Information Science Education Network, n.d.). 3. Clear and Simple Communication: Employing clear and simple language in announcements, supplemented by visual aids, can enhance understanding and reduce misinterpretations (DoveMed, n.d.). 4. Cultural Sensitivity and Training: Educators and administrative staff should undergo cultural sensitivity training to better understand and accommodate the diverse linguistic needs of the student body (DoveMed, n.d.). 5. Encouraging Peer Support: Facilitating peer support programs where students assist each other with language-related challenges fosters a collaborative and inclusive community (Library & Information Science Education Network, n.d.). Addressing language barriers in universities is essential for creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. By adopting inclusive communication practices and providing adequate language support, institutions like Osmania University can ensure that every student feels valued and included, contributing to their academic and personal success. #osmania #lamguageffects #student #belongingnessincollege

🌍 Did you know? Research indicates that learning a foreign language not only enhances cognitive abilities but also improves overall academic performance. Studies have shown that bilingual individuals can outperform monolingual peers in tasks requiring cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, and creative thinking by up to 20-30%! 📈 At a time when global communication is more interconnected than ever, introducing foreign languages to students isn't just beneficial—it's essential. Here are 5 reasons why schools should prioritize foreign language education: 1️⃣ Cultural Understanding: Learning a new language opens doors to different cultures, promoting empathy and global awareness among students. Research shows that bilingualism enhances cultural sensitivity and understanding. 2️⃣ Career Opportunities: Proficiency in a foreign language can significantly enhance career prospects in an increasingly global job market. According to a survey by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, 90% of respondents agreed that language skills are crucial for career success. 3️⃣ Cognitive Development: Language learning improves memory, problem-solving skills, and multitasking abilities, boosting overall cognitive function. Research from York University suggests that bilingual individuals have better cognitive flexibility and can more easily adapt to unexpected situations. 4️⃣ Academic Achievement: Studies indicate that students who learn a foreign language perform better in other academic subjects, such as math and reading comprehension. Research published in the journal Educational Psychology found that language learning positively impacts overall academic achievement. 5️⃣ Personal Growth: Mastering a foreign language builds confidence, resilience, and adaptability, preparing students for future challenges in an interconnected world. The European Commission's Eurobarometer survey highlighted that language learning enhances personal development and intercultural competence. Ready to enrich your school's curriculum with the power of language learning? 🚀 Reach out to The Language Network today and discover how we can help you introduce a vibrant foreign language program tailored to your students' needs. Let's empower the next generation with the gift of language! 🌟 Siddhi Chokhani Pinnac Yeddy Shubham Pille Find us on: Website: https://lnkd.in/gBNmeWS Instagram: https://lnkd.in/dp8hrf4u Phone: 9821392630 #foreignlanguagelearning #foreignlangages #school #empoweringstudents #studentgrowth #careerdevelopment #futureready #onlinelanguageschool #foreignlanguageschool #languageLearning #education #globalcitizens

Does maths speak the same language worldwide? My 9yo son loves to quiz me on anything. We love dissecting language together, but maths's been on the table the last few days. He challenged me with a simple problem, yet the method I used, which I’d learned at school, was not to his liking at all. When I shared my solution, I only heard "That's wrong! That's not how it's done!", according to the Dutch method he learned in school. And when I saw his way of doing it, I thought it was too complicated. This small issue made me think about the diversity in educational methods and how important communication is in fostering understanding. Different, yet valid approaches to the same problem might reflect diverse cultural thinking. Recognising and making space for these differences is crucial, particularly in educational settings where multilingual students navigate varied linguistic and cultural environments. Here’s what this has reaffirmed for me: ➡️ Personal and cultural educational backgrounds: As a parent, my own educational experiences shape my perceptions. Recognising that these can vary widely across cultures is crucial for cultivating an inclusive environment. It's about embracing and respecting these differences, which helps integrate international families and promotes mutual understanding. ➡️ Respect for diversity in problem solving: Multilingual students regularly adapt to various linguistic and problem-solving frameworks, constantly navigating different linguistic environments and needing to switch between contexts and languages. It teaches them to value diverse approaches. Flexible support that acknowledges and nurtures this diversity is essential for their success. ➡️ Understanding vs. uniformity: Curiosity about the 'how' and 'why' can provide deeper insights and cultivate greater intellectual flexibility. For multilingual learners, embracing diverse approaches can better accommodate their linguistic backgrounds, which can be supportive to their learning experience. ➡️ Cultural sensitivity: Fostering an environment that views cultural diversity as a strength helps children develop a strong sense of identity and confidence. It encourages them to see their cultural backgrounds as assets, enhancing their educational experiences and enabling them to thrive in diverse settings. Recognising and respecting these differences is key to empowering children at all ages - both at home and at school. You can definitely teach an old dog new tricks. This simple yet enlightening interaction reminded me about respecting each other's learning paths, because no matter the method, the journey of discovery is just as valuable as the destination. #Multilingualeducation #Familylanguageplanning #Culturaldiversity #bilingualchildren #multilingualchildren #worldcitizen

Hongying Xu, professor in UWL's Global Cultures & Languages Department, is paving the way for language education! 🌏 📘 Xu has recently added two more publications to her resume! One is a co-authored chapter about the benefits of collaborative language programs, and the other is a sole-authored book exploring research regarding Chinese language acquisition. 🇨🇳 Read more about her latest contributions: 🔗

Circle U. was represented by Fanny Meunier and Benoît Duhouxît Raucent, Directors of the CU.mil and of the CU.til, respectively. Together with colleagues from other alliances, they shared their take on the future of education and language learning in our connected world and outlined some of the accomplishments of alliances in the field of multilingualism. The event was organised jointly by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) and the Rectors’ Council of Universities of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (CRef) within the framework of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and it featured mainly the alliances with a Belgian university among their constituent members, but not only. Topics and takeaways Given the all-encompassing nature of alliances, several topics were in the spotlight, namely multilingualism, inclusion, student and staff mobility, superdiversity in academia and the labour market, pedagogical innovation, the European Degree label and cooperation with partners in the Global South. These were some of the main takeaway messages from the panel on “Future of Education and Language Learning in our Connected World”, where Circle U. took part: Multilingualism should be seen as an asset and not as a barrier. European University Alliances can be regarded as catalysts as they are able to provide the momentum for change. Multilingualism is also a key driver of inclusion: languages are not simply functional tools for communication; knowledge of languages has profound benefits both on individuals and on society at large. Great work has been achieved through small scale initiatives and this really ought to be sustained. To this end, investment must be increased, and adequate resources need to be found in order to increase the educational offer and make sure that what has been developed so far becomes embedded and systemic within higher education institutions. It’s important to invest on activities that foster multilingualism but also on research on multilingualism. Sharing of information and good practices between alliances is crucial towards the circulation of knowledge and development. https://lnkd.in/eFSDT6DB