Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska and David Price, D-NC, have launched the Congressional Caucus on American Languages in an effort to enhance foreign language competency and international education among students and business leaders nationwide.
Young said the caucus would be critical to engaging educators, business leaders and other stakeholders to help craft policy solutions to expand world language preparation in the U.S.
Their decision, announced on Tuesday, Nov. 12, was prompted by a 2017 American Academy of Arts and Sciences Commission on Language learning report: America’s Languages: Investing in Language Education for the 21st Century.
Their goal is to ensure adequate resources are directed towards the study of world language learning and focus on improving access for students and educators wishing to participate in these fields of study, including Native American language, and English for English learners.
The caucus drew praise from David Oxtoby, president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Leslie Harper, president of the National Coalition of Native American Language Schools and Programs.
“The languages used in Native American language schools and programs are the heritage and legacy to only of the indigenous peoples of this country, but are the heritage and legacy of all Americans, unique only to this country,” Harper said. “We believe languages are the key aspect of all cultures of the world. We are excited to see the support for language learning and increased access to opportunities to learn languages as a way forward to build strong futures.”
