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Survey Questions (31 responses)

1. How many languages do you speak fluently? 

2. When and where did you learn these languages?

3. Do you find it difficult to learn a new language at this age? Was it easier to learn languages when you were younger? Why?

4. Do you think being bilingual should be a prerogative of a Bryn Mawr student? Why or why not?

5. How does a college keep its curriculum relevant to the time period and its students?

6. Do you consider math and computer languages to count for an additional language?

Question #2

When and where did you learn these languages?

Most people learned their first language in the home, and their second language at school.  There were some who learned both languages at home, and others who learned through immersion programs.  Everyone learned their primary language when they were young, and garnered foreign language skills in middle school, high school, or college.  

Question #3

Do you find it difficult to learn a new language at this age? Was it easier to learn languages when you were younger? Why?

Most people agreed that learning a new language at this point in their lives was more difficult than in their youth.  They attributed this to having a more “plastic” brain when they were younger, a brain more capable of learning new information.  The ones who said no argued that having a more developed brain actually helped in learning a new language because at this point, one can understand rules of grammar and so develop their language skills. 

Question #4

Do you think being bilingual should be a prerogative of a Bryn Mawr student? Why or why not?

In general, most people felt that in today’s society it is necessary to be able to speak 2 or more languages. However, none really specified as to why it should be other than there is a compensation or benefit when applying for jobs. In addition, many felt that even though that fluency is ideal it isn’t exactly attainable because of lack of interest in the language, or simply not enough exposure to the language.  

Question #5

How does a college keep its curriculum relevant to the time period and its students?

Generally most people answered with changing the curriculum as the changes in society and in the global community arise. The classes should be up to date with what is going on in the world.  Many felt that it was important to revise the curriculum every so often as well. 

Question #6