Welcome to our Department
for a new 2007-08 academic year full of promises.
For
those of you who are specializing in languages, we are inviting
you to take advantage of the opportunities offered in order
to develop your competence in the language of your choice.
If you only had one foreign language, we offer you a great
opportunity to become multilingual. Paradoxically, while English
is becoming the international language of communication, societies
all over the world are paying special attention to their own
languages in order to preserve their cultural diversity. As
a result, mastering a foreign language is not simply the ability
to use formulaic expressions in order to establish contact
with native foreign language speakers. In a global labour
market, it means also to be able to communicate professionally
at the highest level with peers from other countries. You
will find in this brochure a table borrowed from the European
Common Framework of Reference for Foreign Languages. It tells
you which level of competence you should attained at the end
of each level of our programme. I hope it will help you to
set your personal learning objectives as well as telling you
what we expect from you.
Learning
a foreign language is a cross-cultural experience. Because
our department is culturally diverse, we feel that we are
well equipped to guide you in that experience. Learning a
foreign language broadens the scope of your imagination and
offers you a lot of opportunities. Achieving a high level
of competence is not only fulfilling but it is also rewarding,
giving you a cutting edge in any professional area.
To
you, non-specialist students, who are interested in learning
a foreign language on campus, I urge you to achieve the highest
competence in the language of your choice during the three
years at the University. It will be extremely beneficial to
your personal development and will also increase your career
options.
Our
Department believe in student-centeredness: do not hesitate
to ask for assistance from our academic and administrative
staff. We will do all within our power to smooth out your
registration process as well as offer advice for your choice
of courses. In return, we are expecting regular attendance
at all classes, thoughtful and enthusiastic participation
which will create a stimulating environment for learning.
I
wish you a fulfilling and exciting experience at the UWI at
the start of this new academic year.
Marie-José
N'Zengou-Tayo (Dr.), Head of Department
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