Nestled within Bondurant Hall is one of the University of Mississippi’s hidden treasures and, arguably, its most underutilized resource. At the Department of Modern Language, barriers are broken, worlds are broadened and opportunities are expanded.
Fluency in a second language is one of the most valuable skills in the professional world, expanding job prospects, increasing wages and helping applicants stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.
For UM students, the addition of a modern language minor or major would be a sound investment to appreciate the value of their education.
Beyond the utility of being a marketable skill, the ability to fluently command multiple languages affords invaluable cultural exposure and experience. Language is how we connect with each other. To be bilingual is to be able to connect with millions, or billions, more people.
I, just as every other student in the College of Liberal Arts, am required to complete 12 hours of modern languages coursework for my degree fulfillment. To students, however, I ask this: How many of us are actually turning this degree requirement into an asset?
I do not know about you, but I plan to.
Last semester, I added a Spanish minor to my degree. A month ago, I filled out an application to study abroad in Spain for a semester.
Proficiency in Spanish will make me not only a more equipped doctor but also a better global citizen. Cruising the streets of Bilbao will not hurt either.
Dr. María Garcia Otero, an associate professor of Spanish at the Croft Institute for International Studies, explains why many students overlook the value of a second language and miss out on the opportunity to broaden their horizons: “commitment, perceived need and mindset.”
“Not just memorizing or learning vocabulary and grammatical endings, but truly and meaningfully learning that language requires … long-term commitment,” Otero said.
Otero said the global dominance of English and easy access to translation apps may lead students to feel that learning a second language is not essential for their careers.
Due to the presentation of foreign language classes in primary and secondary education as another mandatory subject to pass, students often view learning a foreign language as a requirement rather than an opportunity or valuable skill.
Because of that mindset, Otero said students do not interact with languages that lack clear connections to their personal interests or the value towards future careers. The lack of perceived value in language-learning can diminish students’ motivation and appreciation for language.
In her seven years teaching in the Department of Modern Languages, Otero said that her language students excel more than average in the competitive post-graduate arena.
“I have seen students take jobs in international and global organizations,” Otero said. “Their language proficiency also helps them gain admission to top graduate programs in law schools, as well as secure competitive internships.”
There is no overstating the value of bilingualism in the professional world, but benefits extend far beyond the office. To Otero, learning a new language through immersion abroad cultivates deeper empathy and cultural understanding, which she has observed in her students who studied abroad.
As for me, I cannot fully express the extent of my excitement to immerse myself in Spanish, to throw myself into a beautiful new language like it’s my next frontier. I am fully aware of the myriad of benefits this dedication will afford me in the future.
To any readers on the fence about pursuing that foreign language while here at UM, Otero leaves you with this advice: view language not as a requirement but as a life skill.
“Give (the Department of Modern Languages) and yourself a chance,” Otero said. “Continuing your language education beyond the requirements is an investment.”
The future is bright, UM — but let’s make it bilingual.
Logan Durley is a sophomore biological sciences major from Olive Branch, Miss.
