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March 25, 2010

Foreign Languages Department Head speaks to Rotary International

Rotary International in West Monroe recently invited the department head of foreign languages at the University of Louisiana at Monroe to discuss current language methodologies and the development of a global mindset for students.

Dr. Ruth E. Smith discussed the importance of educating more students in a variety of languages to better meet the need of companies working internationally. She was invited to speak on March 9 about the impact of business globalization.

“In the past few years national leaders in business and government circles have been stressing the importance of language study if the U. S. economy is going to expand,” said Smith. “The markets are more and more competitive, and international cultural awareness is vital.”

Smith highlighted changes in pedagogy and approaches to increase the proficiency levels of students, largely due to guidelines developed by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages.

With a Web site dedicated to communications in eight languages, Rotary International has a long history of association with other countries, and over the years it has awarded significant scholarships for students to study abroad.

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