Marisue Schuiling
World Languages Department Head

The World Language classes enable students to acquire proficiency and knowledge in a language and culture other than their own. Students who study a world language are introduced to other perspectives, products, cultures and practices via the language they are studying. Students learn pronunciation, accent, structures and vocabulary in order to communicate; they are expected to put their skills together to comprehend authentic materials and to speak, read and write in both formal and informal situations.

World Language courses in Chinese, French, Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) offer a series of theme-based units to provide opportunities to enhance their global awareness, attain language proficiency and make informed cultural comparisons. Most colleges require 2-4 years of the same language, with more selective schools requiring a full four years. Please note that many colleges still do not accept ASL to meet this requirement.

The Maine Guiding Principle A Clear and Effective Communicator requires that graduates must “demonstrate organized and purposeful communication in English and at least one other language.” By design, a student who successfully completes a second-year course in one Modern Language (for example: ASL II, Chinese II, French II, Spanish II) will have achieved the diploma standard, and all students are encouraged to pursue this pathway toward proficiency.