December was National Learn a Foreign Language Month, and students at BYU are no strangers to language learning.
BYU’s Center for Language Studies oversees a wide array of languages and cultural programs. According to the university's website, classes are offered in 84 languages with 21 available language certifications, making BYU a high-ranking university with some of the most languages taught in the world. Some of these include less commonly taught languages such as Swahili, Amharic and even American Sign Language.
Ellen Knell, associate director of curriculum and instruction for the Center for Language Studies, said that while BYU’s language programs have an intellectual prestige, much of the program has been influenced by the missionary efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I feel like I work at a mini United Nations,” Knell said. “I get to know all the teachers, and it’s amazing to see how our students stay connected to the cultures they once served in as missionaries.”
BYU itself is home to a large language-learning community, with over 127 languages spoken across campus.
Thousands of missionaries return home from their missions and attend BYU, often because of the university’s extensive religious and language benefits.
Zachary Reynolds, a BYU freshman who served a mission in Italy, said the university’s focus on language learning has been especially meaningful.
Reynolds moved into BYU’s Language Immersion Student Residence program, or the “Italian House,” which is a language immersion housing program where residents exclusively speak in their respective languages. Reynolds said the community-focused environment provided him with both the structure and support to continue his language journey.
“I have loved it,” Reynolds said. “Italian is such a beautiful language. It’s musical and it flows so well. And I think it’s great as well, having a support group.”
Reynolds also said he gained lots of benefits and skills from learning a second language.
“I feel like I'm a better communicator because I've learned a different language,” Reynolds said.
Knell explained that these language courses not only enhance the language proficiency of students but that they immerse them in the culture of the natives as well.
“You see the people in a totally different way once you can speak their language. You understand them and their culture and their life much better than you could before,” Knell said.
Not all BYU students gained language proficiency from serving a mission, though.
Hannah Cordon, a BYU student who is currently studying Russian, did not serve a mission for the Church. Her language learning has primarily come from the classroom and self-motivation. Cordon said that this lack of foreign immersion has sometimes made language learning difficult.
“You just always feel behind everybody else,” Cordon said. “But, you just have to remember your own progress and just see your own milestones, and not compare yourself to others, and just keep going.”
Despite the challenges of learning Russian, Cordon said she has found great joy in studying Russian and has continued her language journey by adding it as a second major. Cordon also moved into the Russian House for Fall Semester 2024.
“My first day here, I hated it because I couldn't express myself,” Cordon said. “But now, it's getting a lot better. I love all my roommates. It's just super fun. I'm getting way better.”
Knell encouraged all BYU students to take the steps to learn a second language, promising that it would change their lives.
“I would say that learning a language will change their life, because you see the people in a totally different way when you can speak their language,” Knell said. “It changes the person and in really good ways. And, I don't think you truly come to understand other people until you start to learn their language.”
For more information about BYU’s Language Immersion Student Residence program, visit their website here.