Foreign Language

Short Definition

Foreign Language is a language other than the student's primary language that is taught as part of the curriculum.

In-depth Overview

Foreign Language

Long definition: A foreign language is a language that is not the native or primary language spoken in a particular region or by an individual. In higher education, foreign language courses are typically offered to teach students languages other than their own. These courses aim to develop proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and understanding languages that are not commonly used in the student's home country or region.

Etymology: The term "foreign" originates from the Old English word "fōrān", which means "outside" or "far away". "Language" comes from the Old French word "language", which has Latin origins in "lingua", meaning "tongue" or "speech". Thus, "foreign language" refers to a language spoken outside one's native region.

Synonyms or related academic terms: Second language, non-native language, world language, international language.

Examples of Use:

• Many universities require students to take foreign language courses as part of their general education requirements.
• Learning a foreign language can open up opportunities for international travel and cultural exploration.
• Some students choose to major or minor in foreign languages to enhance their career prospects.

Translations:
Spanish: Lengua extranjera
French: Langue étrangère
German: Fremdsprache
Italian: Lingua straniera
Portuguese: Língua estrangeira
Japanese: 外国語 (Gaikokugo)
Chinese (Simplified): 外语 (Wàiyǔ)
Hindi: विदेशी भाषा (Videshī bhāṣā)

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Wikipedia Article

Foreign Language

unirank Glossary Classification

Miscellaneous higher education terms > University academic terms