On Wednesday morning, Prep’s World Language department presented a Language Choice Fair in O’Keefe Commons, giving freshmen an opportunity to learn more about the department’s offerings as they prepare to select which modern language they will study beginning in the fall.
Ms. Rosalie Romano, the department chairperson, offered some advice at the start of the assembly: “Select the language that motivates you,” she said. “In my years of teaching Italian, I’ve always been inspired knowing the student in front of me is a student who chose to study Italian.” While there are many considerations in choosing a language, she explained, ultimately students must make a choice that will motivate them to commit to give their best effort.
Freshmen heard from seniors who currently study each of Prep’s modern languages (French, German, Italian, Mandarin, and Spanish). They shared their experience of studying languages at Prep, speaking extensively about the cultural experiences that are integral to the program, enhancing and complementing the language learning process. From exchange experiences at Prep to lifelong cultural encounters to career opportunities, the presenters gave the freshmen a view of the broader context for their selection.
Special thanks to our senior modern language presenters: Daniel Nemeth Szerdai (French), Filip Hidas (German), Jack St. Ledger (Italian), Roy Liu (Mandarin), and Nicholas Buckley (Spanish).
In addition to the modern language presentations, seniors Henry Eig and Joseph Ashe, both four-year Latin scholars, took the stage to extol the value of taking additional years of Latin (in parallel to a modern language), beyond the requirement for graduation.
Following the presentations, freshmen completed a survey regarding their prior personal or academic language learning experience, as a precursor to the placement testing process. Senior presenters also stayed to answer any questions the freshmen might have.
A language open house will also take place in March, giving students another opportunity to explore options before course selection begins.