Welcome to our Department for a new academic
year full of promises.
For those of
you who are specializing in languages, you are urged to take
advantage of all opportunities in order to develop your
competence at the highest level in the language of your
choice. If you only had one foreign language, we offer you a
great opportunity to become multilingual. To become a
translator or an Interpreter you will need a minimum of two
foreign languages. In today’s global economy, mastery of a
foreign language can no longer be a veneer of refined
education and a symbol of high social status. It now means to
be able to communicate professionally at the highest level
with peers from other countries and also to access information
which is not available in English in order to obtain a cutting
edge in your profession.
Learning a
foreign language is a cross-cultural experience. Because our
department is culturally diverse, we feel that we are well
equipped to guide you in that experience. Learning a foreign
language broadens the scope of your imagination and offers you
a lot of opportunities.
To you,
non-specialist students, who are interested in learning a
foreign language while completing your degree on campus, I
would like to encourage you to achieve the highest competence
in the language of your choice during your three years at the
University. It will be extremely beneficial to your personal
development and will also increase your career options.
You will
find in this brochure a table borrowed from the European
Common Framework of Reference for Foreign Languages Teaching
and Learning. It tells you which level of competence you
should attained at the end of each level of our programme. I
hope it will help you to set your personal learning objectives
as well as telling you what we expect from you.
Our
Department believe in student-centeredness: do not hesitate to
ask for assistance from our academic and administrative
staff. We will do all within our power to smooth out your
registration process as well as offer advice for your choice
of courses. We also believe in learner’s autonomy and
responsibility: we are expecting regular attendance at all
classes, thoughtful and enthusiastic participation which will
create a stimulating environment for collective as well as
independent learning.
Finally,
remember that Foreign Language Learning is a lifetime
activity. Hone your language skills: they will open many doors
to you.
Once
again, I wish you a fulfilling and exciting experience at The
UWI.
Marie-José
N'Zengou-Tayo (Dr.), Head of Department
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