National Foreign Language Week
This week (March 2–8) is National Foreign Language Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of studying foreign languages. According to a 2022 U.S. Census Bureau report, nearly one in five people in the U.S. speaks a language other than English, including like Spanish, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
In North Carolina, high school students are required to take two elective courses, one or both of which can be a world language. As cultures become increasingly interconnected, the need for cultural awareness among both students and adults continues to grow.
Falling In Love with Language
“Learning another language opens up a student’s mind to different ways of life and the customs, values, and perspectives they bring. Global communication is also important,” says French teacher, Virginia Brownie. “Proficiency in a World Language allows our students to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, even right here in North Carolina.”
Brownie, a 10-year educator in Forsyth County, joined NCAE after the organization marched on the state capital in Raleigh. “I realized NCAE was doing the most of all the professional organizations to advocate for the profession and wanted to support their work in improving working and learning conditions for all educators and students. Their values aligned with mine as an educator.”
Her passion for language, culture, and working with young people led her to pursue a career in education, eventually becoming a French teacher in Winston-Salem/Forsyth Public Schools in 2015.
World Languages Impact on Students
“I love that I actually get to teach so many different subjects within teaching French. I get to incorporate music, art, literature, and history in everything I do. There is a lot of variety within our curriculum, and I enjoy that,” says Brownie. She ensures her students learn not only the language but also the rich culture and history behind it.
This deeper learning helps students develop critical thinking skills and cross-cultural understanding, extending beyond holidays, traditions, and music to include cultural norms and values. Brownie emphasizes that studying a language’s history fosters both proficiency and empathy, helping students build stronger relationships and communicate more effectively.
Quote byVirginia Brownie , French Teacher in Forsyth County
A former student recently shared with Brownie how studying French was one of the most meaningful parts of her high school experience. The course encouraged her to see life from different perspectives, leaving a lasting impact on how she interacts with people of varying backgrounds and beliefs.
“Hearing this meant a lot to me and reaffirmed the vital role that World Language teachers play in shaping students' ability to connect with others, even within their own communities.”
