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Thanks for reading the Multilingual Books newsletter, your source for foreign language news, information, and product information and specials from Multilingual Books. This is also available as a web page at our website, www.multilingualbooks.com. In this issue:
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US needs integrated approach to improve foreign language skills and cultural expertise
From eurekalert.org
The 14 U.S. Department of Education programs designed to strengthen education in foreign languages and in international and area studies -- known collectively as Title VI and Fulbright-Hays -- have made some progress but lack the resources necessary to keep pace with their mission, says a new report from the National Research Council. And the Education Department does not appear to have a master plan for these efforts, which may not bode well for the nation's security and competitiveness.
More support from all levels of the U.S. education system is needed to develop an integrated approach to improving foreign language skills and expertise on other cultures, beginning in the primary grades, the report says. Also, the Department of Education should consolidate oversight of its foreign language and international education programs under a high-ranking official who would provide strategic direction and coordinate its work with related activities at other federal agencies. To be most effective, that position should be a presidential appointment and require Senate confirmation.
Universities should play key roles, partnering with federal officials to create systems to continuously improve the programs, the report says. The systems should help develop performance indicators and engage networks of professionals in the field.
"The nation's infrastructure for international and foreign language education is weak at a time when the United States faces unprecedented demands for globally aware citizens and professionals," said Janet L. Norwood, chair of the committee that wrote the report, a counselor and senior fellow at the Conference Board Inc., and former U.S. commissioner of labor statistics. "The Sept. 11 attacks brought renewed attention to this topic. However, a comprehensive strategy is essential for building greater knowledge of world cultures and national capacity in a wide range of languages."
The Title VI and Fulbright-Hays programs were created nearly 50 years ago following the Soviet Union's launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite. The surprise launch shocked the United States, leading to large increases in federal spending on education and scientific research. Over the years, the programs' scope has grown to encompass undergraduate and graduate education in foreign languages, international studies, and area studies, which focus on particular regions of the world. The programs also promote greater use of technology, foreign language training and research, and the recruitment of minorities into international service professions.
See the full article at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-03/tna-uni032707.php
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FSI Turkish Course Now Available By Download! FSI Turkish is now available in a downloadable version! The Language Associates Digital Editions are the popular FSI courses in full digital format - all course material is included, but all audio is in MP3 format and all reading material is in PDF format. These courses are considered by many to be the best and most complete language courses available. Get the benefits of full FSI courses with increased portability and substantial savings! Please note that Digital Edition courses require a computer capable of playing MP3s and displaying PDF files. Digital Edition downloads are currently available for Arabic, Chinese, French, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Igbo, Iraqi Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, and Turkish. Download and save! We are introducing our downloads at less than half the price of the hardcopy courses. Why? Well, when you buy in downloadable format, we save, so you save! No printing, reproduction, packaging, handling, and shipping costs for us means big savings for you. Check out our Digital Editions Download Store! |  |
April Top Products
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Last month's quiz: Winter still holds court for a few more weeks, but spring is just around the corner. Give the language and meaning of these seasonally-themed words. Auflösungen - Resolutions, GermanNeige - Snow, French Hielo - Ice, Spanish Valentinsdagen - Valentine's Day, Norwegian Tempestade - Storm, Portuguese This month's quiz: What are the official languages of the UN?Bokmål is better known as what language? The term "Mayday", used to signal an urgent call for help, comes from what language? The word "boondocks" originated from what language? The answers and the winner will be in our next newsletter. Winner will receive their choice of one Talk Now or World Talk language CD-ROM! No purchase necessary to enter. E-mail your entry to:
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Sonya's Linguistic Surrealscape
This fun, quirky personal site includes language lessons for Cantonese and Thai, language trivia, plus parallel content in Esperanto.
Check it out at http://www.kisa.ca/index.html.
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Save $20 on Platiquemos CDs!
Platiquemos Spanish Course For a limited time, save $20 off list price on any order of Platiquemos CDs! CD version only. One week only. Use promo code M-PC20-AP to receive this special. Order today! |
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Save $20 on Word Translator!
Word Translator for Windows Save $20 on any Word Translator product for one week only! Use promo code M-WT20-AP to receive this special. |
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Save $20 on Foreign Service Institute Courses!
Foreign Service Institute Courses
Language Associates FSI Digital Editions For a limited time, save $20 on any Foreign Service Institute course including Digital Editions! Download delivery courses not included in this offer. Use promo code M-F20-AP to receive this special. Order today! |
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FREE Shipping on Any Childrens Item Purchase Over $50! We are proud to offer a great selection of language materials for children! See our Children's Books, Courses, and Software page for an overview, plus we have individual children's sections in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Save on our great selection of childrens items for one week only! Use promo code M-KFS-AP to receive this special. |
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