HRES122hMAR11

TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending March 11, 2005

House Resolution 122 expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the study of languages and supporting the designation of a Year of languages.

BRIEF

Similar to a recent Senate resolution this House version also calls for more language study in the US and, in this case, what appears to be a year of “…ceremonies, programs and other activities” to emphasize the conclusion that speaking the languages of other countries not only improves cognitive skills but facilitates personal and business relationships with folks from other countries.

“There should be a Year of Languages in the United States, during which language study is promoted and expanded in elementary schools, secondary schools, institutions of higher education, businesses and government programs;” the preamble suggests. But it might be the 2000 Cox Commission report that a shortage of foreign language experts has “seriously hampered” US intelligence efforts that is behind the sudden push to become multi-lingual.

Sponsor: Representative Rush D. Holt (D-NJ-12^th)

Vote: Passed House 396 to 0 (Mar. 8, 2005 (RC 55)

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost.

MORE INFORMATION

H. Res. 122

Whereas the people of the United States have growing social, cultural, and economic ties to the international community that present new challenges as the United States seeks to communicate with and understand international partners from different language and cultural backgrounds;

Whereas communities across the United States are welcoming many new neighbors, friends, employees, and citizens from many countries throughout the world;

Whereas increased language learning is a critical national interest and is necessary to maintain the economic edge the United States has in the worldwide marketplace;

Whereas developing a workforce that is skilled in languages and cultural understanding is vital for conducting international commerce;

Whereas both the 2000 Cox Commission and the National Intelligence Council have reported that a shortfall of experts in foreign languages, particularly the languages of Asia and the Middle East, has seriously hampered information gathering and analysis within the intelligence community of the United States;

Whereas studying other languages has been shown to contribute to increased cognitive skills, better academic performance, and a greater understanding of others, while also providing life-long learning opportunities;

Whereas language education in the 21st century includes a commitment to the study of long sequences of world languages, beginning in early grades and continuing throughout the academic career of an individual, in order to develop the levels of proficiency needed to effectively communicate with people from other cultures at home and abroad; and

Whereas the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, along with its affiliate organizations, is urging the public to support increased language education for students, which will expand the cultural and literary horizons of adult learners and strengthen the position and security of the United States throughout the world: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--

(1) the study of languages contributes to the intellectual and social development of a student and the economy and security of the United States;

(2) there should be a Year of Languages in the United States, during which language study is promoted and expanded in elementary schools, secondary schools, institutions of higher education, businesses, and government programs; and

(3) the President should issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to--

(A) encourage and support initiatives to promote and expand the study of languages; and

(B) observe a Year of Languages with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and other activities.

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