Modern Languages
“Language is intimately tied to man’s feeling and activity. It is bound
up with nationality, religion, and the feeling of self. It is used for
work, worship, and play by everyone, be he beggar or banker, savage or
civilized... We are witnessing, in our time, the greatest changes in the
history of language learning... Formerly known by a few as a mark of education,
languages are now studied by people from all walks of life. More languages
are studied than ever before, and methods of learning are changing rapidly.”
— Robert Lado
At UCFV we offer university-transfer courses in French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Russian, with hopes of expansion to other languages.
Many people ask: “Why study a second language?” As we prepare to meet the challenges of the 21st century, the world has become more and more interdependent in trade and travel, communication and cooperation. The key to the global community of the next millennium will be learning other languages. A second language is a practical skill, and will enhance employability. Many people will need to work in other countries as international trade develops and business contacts increase, so the need for multilingual Canadians is on the rise. The study of a second language also assists one to understand the structure of one’s own language.
The goal of our UCFV language program is to develop “creative communication”,
so we place considerable emphasis on teaching you to speak the target language.
We feature a state-of-the-art computer laboratory equipped with sound-cards,
the Can-8 tapeless audio recording system, and computerized interactive
programs to help you understand, speak, read, and write your target language.
We are constantly searching for new ways to make language study more effective
and enjoyable. If you can demonstrate sufficient proficiency in a language,
you may receive advance credit and placement.
Instructors reserve the right to move or place a student in the course appropriate to the student’s language level.
Proficiency certificates in modern languages
The Modern Languages Institute now offers proficiency certificates in the
language of your choice.
The intermediate certificate consists of successful
completion of 12 UCFV credits (i.e., two years) in a single language: 101,
102, plus two second-year courses, with
a minimum 2.33 GPA. At least 25%
of the courses must be completed at UCFV. Students who already have the
101/102 component, i.e., Grade 12 level, will be able to have the first-year
requirement waived.
There are five current intermediate proficiency certificates:
Intermediate certificate in French:
Note: Students who complete all requirements of the certificate prior to Fall 2004 will be permitted to follow the requirements in the 2002/03 calendar, however, FREN 219 is strongly recommended.
Intermediate certificate in German:
Intermediate certificate in Japanese:
Intermediate certificate in Russian:
Intermediate certificate in Spanish:
Advanced certificates are currently available in French and Russian only.
Advanced certificate in French:
Advanced certificate in Russian:
More advanced certificates will become available as third-year courses are developed in German, Japanese, and Spanish.
Students in any UCFV program who meet the stated requirements of any proficiency certificate may apply for the certificate by completing a graduation application, available at Admissions & Records, by April 1 (all requirements must be met by April 30).
Students in any UCFV program who achieve a GPA of at least 4.0 in all applicable language courses may apply for a certificate stating that they have completed the requirements “with distinction”.
Graduation
Candidates who qualify to receive a UCFV proficiency certificate in modern languages must be approved by the UCFV Modern Languages Institute and the University College Council. Students must submit a Request for Graduation form to the UCFV Admissions and Records office by April 1. Students transferring to another institution before graduation should speak to the head of the Modern Languages Institute regarding the application process.
French
The Modern Languages department offers a minor in French. Please refer to the Bachelor of Arts section for more information.
French is spoken in 25 countries around the world by almost 200 million people, and is one of the official languages of our country. Traditionally, it has been the language of diplomacy. Because one-third of our citizens are Francophones, studying French can provide a better awareness of who we are as a nation. It is also valuable within the context of the federal government’s language policies, especially for those who want careers in the public service, and is a useful tool for travel and enrichment. In commerce, too, more English Canadians who know French will be required in the future. We believe that learning French is a rewarding experience; it is the key to understanding French-speaking people and their fascinating culture.
Because of varying achievement levels, students may be requested to take a placement test to indicate the French course in which they have the best chance of success.
German
Why study German? We hear a great deal these days about bilingualism, but did you know that, after English and French, German is the most widely spoken language in Canada? In the Fraser Valley, especially, German is used extensively, as many of our local people come from German-speaking families. We hear a dozen or more different dialects, each one varying to some degree from standard German. At UCFV we offer courses in standard modern German, placing emphasis on both the spoken and the written word, thereby ensuring your ability to communicate adequately with German-speaking people throughout the world. At the same time, we help keep alive the German linguistic and cultural traditions characteristic of the Fraser Valley.
Japanese
Japanese is the language of one of the world’s great economic giants and one of Canada’s most important trading partners. It is also one of the fastest growing languages of study in North America. As well, UCFV has a long-standing linkage with Hokkaido Community College in Japan. There is no doubt that the special relationship that B.C. has with Japan will require more of our citizens to develop skills in Japanese language and culture in the future. UCFV recognizes this fact and is proud to offer courses in Japanese language where you will learn to understand and speak contemporary Japanese. Considerable time is also devoted to studying the Japanese writing system.
Mandarin
Mandarin is spoken by over 885 million people worldwide and is the official language of mainland China. In view of the dramatic increase in Canada’s relations with China, especially in the computer information and business fields, the ability to communicate in Mandarin is becoming an important asset for Canadians. Moreover, UCFV is presently engaged in an important international project in China, featuring our Computer Information Systems program, with further programs projected for the future. Our two new beginner courses in Mandarin Chinese will teach students skills in Mandarin phonetics, tones, and pronunciation, and enable them to conduct simple conversations in Mandarin and help develop an awareness of Chinese cultures, social values, and customs.
These courses are not appropriate for students with training or background in Chinese (Mandarin or other dialects).
Russian
Many changes have occurred in what was formerly the USSR over the past few years. This upheaval has seen a march toward certain freedoms in Russian society which would have formerly seemed unthinkable. Canadians in the business and tourist industries are realizing more and more that there is a growing need for people trained in Russian studies to obtain more access to the huge East European market. At UCFV we offer courses in the Russian language which, though not easy to learn, has now become the second language of science and is itself exciting to study. It has an almost phonetic alphabet and a logical, if complex structure. Russian literature is amongst the world’s richest and most fascinating to read; our program also offers you Russian literature in English translation.
Spanish
Spanish is the most widely spoken Romance language, boasting more than 200 million speakers worldwide. It is the language of almost all of South and Central America except for Brazil, and is one of the United Nations’ five official languages. Within the Western Canadian context, Spanish-speaking people will be in greater demand in the future as Canada develops its business contacts with more Pacific Rim countries — Mexico in particular. Here at UCFV we offer courses in Spanish language to support not only these economic and cultural needs, but also our burgeoning Latin American Studies program. We shall teach you to read and write Spanish as well as to speak and understand it.
Faculty
Betty-Joan Traverse, BA (UBC), Licence-ès-Lettres (Paris), MA (Montréal), Department Head
Nola Accili, MA (SFU)
Teresa Arroliga-Piper, BEd (UNAN–Managua), MA (UBC)
Alan Cameron, BA (Hons) (Calgary), MA, PhD (UBC)
Staff
Julie Croft, BA (UCFV), Department Assistant
Manuel Figueroa, Educational Technologist
Diane McQuillan
Blanca Schneider
Oscar Villalobos
Lilia Willms
To course
descriptions index
Return to Faculty
of Arts and Applied Arts index
Calendar
home page/index
|
|
