The Department of Modern Languages teaches foundational language courses, the basis for developing superior language skills, along with some higher level literature courses.
Career Benefits
In an expanding global economy your multi-lingual skills will give you a competitive advantage when seeking employment in most professions either in Canada or abroad. A command of French, one of Canada’s two official languages, is an essential qualification for entry into the Canadian civil service and politics. University graduates capable of communicating in Spanish, the unofficial second language of the United States, are in demand throughout North and South America.
China, one of the world’s leading economic powers, provides tremendous scope for career options in almost any field for professionals who are fluent in Mandarin. Japan, one of Canada’s major trading partners, is a dominant economic force in Asia alongside China and India. Fluency in Japanese opens career opportunities in commercial ventures as well as industries in which Japan excels: high tech, film animation and communications.
Personal Benefits of Learning a Language
The intellectual rewards of learning a foreign language complement the advantages it confers on your chosen career. Interestingly, language acquisition has the effect of increasing vocabulary and improving syntax in one’s native tongue. It will hone your critical thinking skills, and it will strengthen your ability to articulate complicated issues and ideas freely and eloquently in your own language.
As societies in Canada and world-wide become increasingly multi-cultural, your new language can assist you in understanding the values and traditions of other cultures and conversely help you to view your own social and cultural values in relation to theirs. It will broaden your knowledge of politics, history and international issues and it will deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of art and literature.
Student Testimonial
"I had the privilege of taking several Chinese classes with Lin Laoshi during my time at Langara College. Not only were these classes enjoyable, but they also helped me develop important skills, like the ability to think in a different language and communicate in that language with native speakers. With guidance and support from Lin Laoshi, I achieved good results in those classes and was selected for scholarships to go to China and Taiwan to further develop my Chinese language skills. This experience also opened doors to many other opportunities as I continued to study for my BA and MA in International Affairs. When interviewing for jobs after graduation, my Chinese skills helped me stand out from other candidates, and I received a number of offers from different managers at Global Affairs Canada, which is my dream department. Given my ability to speak Chinese, I am assigned to work on some important files related to China. I believe I made a great decision to take Chinese during my studies at Langara College, and I am very thankful for Lin Laoshi and her Chinese classes! " - Teressa Nguyen, Senior Analyst at Global Affairs Canada
*Chinese calligraphy by Mr. Yim Xie.