College Faculty Perceptions About Foreign Language

Abstract

Most postsecondary institutions are committed to internationalization of their curricula, global awareness, and appreciation for multiculturdism. However, proficiency in a foreign language plays a marginal role, at best, in reaching these goals. In an attempt to understand the perceptions about the role of foreign language in postsecondary education, liberal arts faculty and administratovs were polled regarding their beliefs about foreign language. Responses indicate that regardless of their support for foreign language, faculty members generally believe that learning another language means instruction in grammar and lexicon, with little attention to culture. Although faculty generally agreed that proficiency in another language is important, degree programs in the service professions were viewed us too prescriptive to allow students enough time to learn another language.