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Show Page 2 Tuesday, October 12, 1982 The Latter-day Saint Student Association and the Ogden L.D.S. Institute NEWS present: Americans suffer language deficiency by Roya Mohareri American children have serious deficiencies in their native language, they are ' unaware of the nature of language, and unable to compete in a multilingual world, said Dr. Robert W. Belka, chairman of the language department. Most Americans in general suffer a disease that we pass on to our children. Although the world is aware of the disease, and the danger it implies for them, we ourselves seem to be unaware. The disease attacks the brain's language center, thus handicapping the mind and distorting reality. It is called monol-ingualism (knowing only one language). European children have mandatory foreign language requirements and have a far greater mastery and understanding of their native language than their American counterparts. Dr. Belka, indicated that a greater depth of understanding comes through the process of comprehension. The American child who cannot compare structures in English to those in another language has no idea of what is unique about the English structure and what English has in common with other languages. Statistics show that the student who studied only two years of a foreign language score higher in English skills than students of like intelligence on the standard college aptitude test. They also have greater skill at drawing inferences, are more creative, have improved retention of ideas, develop more sophisticated thinking strategies and learn other subjects more readi- ly- Other countries educate their children at a very young ages, which makes it possible for them to sell products and ideas to other countries. This enables them to think in the context of the English language and culture. In the world's idealogical struggle many American diplomats see the world only within the context of their own culture as they try to negotiate with foriegn dignitaries, all of whom are conversant in many languages. Dr. Belka mentions a few ideas to develop and cure the disease of monol-ingualism: First, Elementary age children learn ' languages easily, twenty minutes a day in the elementary grades can bring amazing results. Second, Schools in a district could share teachers to give students a greater diversity of languages. Third, no student ought to be allowed to graduate who has not studied a language. Finally, English teachers should be proficient in a foreign fanguage. If these suggestions are practiced then eventually America be cured of the diease, monolingualism. Financial aid happenings In attempt to assist the students at Weber State College more effectively, the Financial Aid Office is planning to publish information every week in the Signpost. The Financial Aid Office column is located in the same general area of the paper in order to accomplish this goal. The Financial Aid Office is located in room 112 of the Miller Administration Building and our phone number is 626-6581. There are four full-time financial aid counselors, two loan officers, one accountant, and an office staff of three to six people depending upon the time of year. Last year we assisted over 4,000 students in one or more areas of financial aid. We approved, disbursed, and awarded over seven million dollars in 1981-82, an amount equal to 23 percent of the total school budget. Our funding for this year is running about the same as last year with one or two minor adjustments. We still have not reciev-ed the money for those of you who have been awarded National Direct Student Loans. We will announce in the Signpost when the awards will be available. ' V HOMECOMING KING & QUEEN Applications now being accepted For applications & information see Jillynne Connelly in the ASWSC room phone 626-6349 Deadline Tues. Oct. 12, 1982 HORIZONS IN THOUGHT Fred A. Baker President of the Ogden Utah College Stake Friday, October 15, 1982 Institute Chapel 1302 Edvalson Horizons in Thought is a weekly series featuring outstanding speakers. Plan on attending each week. CALCULATORS Hewlett-Packard Texas Instruments and more WE WILL MEET THE PRICE AND BEAT THE SERVICE WEBER STATE BOOKSTORE U of U Graduate Program THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH'S GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS INVITES STUDENTS FROM ENGINEERING, THE SCIENCES, LIBERAL EDUCATION, SOCIAL SCIENCES, AND OTHER DISCIPLINES TO ATTEND A DISCUSSION ON THE U'S DEGREE PROGRAMS IN: Master of Business Administration Master of Human Resource Management Master of Professionai Accountancy MONDAY, October 18, 1982 - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Room: LB 88 WITH DR. REED H. RANDALL, DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH. Interested students may also schedule appointments beginning at 2:00 p.m. by calling Placement Services, 626-6393. |