By Jane S. Shropshire
COLUMNIST: HIGHER ED MATTERS
Here in landlocked Kentucky, we are on the front line of international commerce. Wait, you say, this isn't New York, Washington, D.C., or Los Angeles; this is Lexington. Yes, my friends, here in Lexington, just as in every other city around the world today, the front line of global commerce is here and now. Global communication technology and ease of travel have seemingly flattened the world, as Thomas Friedman laid out clearly in his book. In contrast to times past, when students had to travel to larger cities to gain exposure to global perspectives, they can now find broader horizons right here at home.
Students nationwide are exploring the flattened world with great interest, in many instances through foreign language study. Arabic language course enrollments at colleges and universities have surged 127 percent nationally since 2002. Chinese language course enrollments have grown by 51 percent and Korean language enrollments by 37 percent, a study recently released by the Modern Language Association (MLA) reports. Traditionally popular languages such as French, Spanish and German have enjoyed enrollment growth, too. According to MLA executive director Rosemary G. Feal, "Students recognize that having the ability to function across cultures and languages is an enormous advantage.
Graduate schools and employers readily confirm this