Here at Mayo High School, we take a week out of our school year to take part in the national celebration of world languages, which provides us with a better understanding of cultures and forms of expression beyond English. We delve deeper not only into each language, but also into the heritage and traditions of each language, whether it involves the food in Spain or the history of France. This is a chance for all students to learn a bit more about foreign languages, and how they are a vital part of who we are today. We know that language is important to us as members of the global community, and this week sheds light on that, bringing it to everyone’s attention.    

    We have special activities in the classes related to the history and culture of the language, and one day of the week, students use the languages for extra credit, to see how they can be used in the real world, and how each one should not be learned simply for a grade. This gives everyone an opportunity to practice using their language skills outside of the classroom, speaking, translating, or just gaining a better understanding of the phrasing and all its applicable functions.

    The students at Mayo love learning new languages for many different reasons. A senior and Spanish 4 student, Franco Lanzino, said he took Spanish to learn more about Italian, since his family speaks Italian, and the languages are very similar. When asked if it was worth it to take a language, and if he would use it in the future, he said, “it was definitely worth taking a language, since it sparked my interest, and I plan on minoring in Spanish in college, to expand my job opportunities.” He knows first-hand that the language teachers here at Mayo are awesome, and they present the language and associated culture very well… enough to spark his interests in the subject going into college and beyond in his career.    

     According to Mr. Gathje, “the 1000+ students who study World Languages at Mayo will have the opportunity to participate in various events in order to experience languages and cultures from around the world.  They will also have opportunities to use their own target language in more “in-depth” situations.”

Here are just some of the highlights:

• “Kiss Me” (Teach someone a phrase in your language, and you both get a Hershey’s Kiss)
• “Medallion Hunt” (think St Paul Winter Carnival — clues in the target languages), please DO NOT let students out of class to look!  Medallion will be in a PUBLIC location.
• “Food day,” (depends on the instructor)
• Mural / mosaic – a mural is being recreated by World Language students. Look for it midweek
• Are you ready for some fútbol? – An international language… Spanish students again have challenged all other languages! – Thursday during lunches.
• Thursday’s “Speak-along” (attempting to speak their Target language all day), Students may bring a note saying they are trying to speak their target language all day and no English – Your classroom needs take precedence over this activity, but if you can somehow accommodate us, we’d appreciate it.
• Several other fun events as well…

    Taking a language is so important for our futures, especially here in the United States; as we grow together with more and more cultures, it is almost a necessity. We use World Languages Week at Mayo to try to push that idea of importance out there for all students, to show them how languages are applicable to the real world, and they are becoming so important to know and can be used to expand the jobs you can get and turn into careers in the future. We hope that you take part in this national event and gain a broader understanding of the people and world around you.