New Messaging and Intercultural Competence Training in Response to Falling Enrollments in World Languages

The trend in declining enrollments in world language courses demands investigation into likely causes and thoughtful solutions to resolve the crisis. We explore common negative attitudes form the general public toward world language study, and conclude that frustration stems from speaking proficiency as the perceived sole measure of success – a skill that takes time to achieve and may be lost without consistent practice. We propose new messaging that highlights the development of intercultural competency that evolves by interacting in full-immersion language courses and through explicit instruction in the attitudes and qualities of the interculturally competent global citizen. Suggestions for implementation at the course, program, university and community levels are provided.