Many students have heard the argument that learning a foreign language is beneficial because it can increase cultural knowledge. However, learning a foreign language takes time and dedication. This requirement is time-consuming for students who intend to study something other than an advanced-level foreign language, diverging their focus from relevant classes that fulfill their goals and aspirations. 

Most students take a foreign language to fulfill graduation requirements, and the structure of these classes does little to increase their enthusiasm about the language they are learning. UT should eliminate the foreign language requirement because the class structure fails to accomplish anything beyond a low level of proficiency and a basic cultural understanding.

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Melissa Mehmood, a humanities sophomore, said her French class was stressful because of its learning structure. 

“I feel that the class is set up in a way where you’re teaching yourself the language, and it goes too fast,” Mehmood said. “You’re not actually grasping enough of what they require you to know. It caused me a lot of stress to the point that I ended up dropping the class.” 

Orlando Kelm, director of the UT Portuguese Flagship Program, said he recognizes the value of foreign language classes but suggests that the University restructure its classes to suit general education requirements. 

“I think the mistake we make is that we’re treating students as if they are going to major in their chosen language. If we can restructure the language courses for general education and not for an expertise model, we will have more success with it,” Kelm said. “ If I were teaching a language class … I would skip all that high-level grammar foundation unless someone becomes an advanced speaker.” 

Restructuring language classes for general education would make learning easier for students and increase interest in the language. However, even if language classes were designed for general education, students should have the opportunity to choose whether they want to learn a foreign language or take culture classes about a specific country or region. 

A foreign culture class can focus on an in-depth study of cultural contexts, local history and cultural accomplishments. Fortunately, several colleges at UT allow students to take culture classes in place of foreign language requirements. 

However, this option should also be available to students majoring in subjects that require students to take a foreign language. Culture classes can develop transferable skills and cultural competency in a way foreign language classes cannot accomplish. These skills are valuable for any student, regardless of their major.    

Olla Al-Shalchi, Arabic Program coordinator at the Department of Middle Eastern Studies, said she supports keeping the foreign language requirement and believes that learning languages and culture together is most beneficial. However, she also believes foreign culture classes can develop transferable skills and effectively prepare students for a changing world.

“Wherever you go, the world is changing so much that you’re always coming across people from different countries and backgrounds. Any type of culture class will help students in their future,” Al-Shalchi said.   

UT should enable students to make choices about their general education requirements that fulfill their aspirations in life. Eliminating the foreign language requirement provides flexibility for students who want to meet requirements and those who wish to study languages at an advanced level.

Muyeed is an economics sophomore from Southlake, Texas.