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Laek Of Foreign Language I Skills Threatens U S Image BY I)H. FRANCIS J. DANNERBECK Department of foreign lanuages A major reason why the future of America as a world leader is in serious jeopardy politically and economically is because so few of its citizens speak foreign languages. For example, When a Russian soldier defected at the U.S. embassy in Afghanistan, no American was available who could speak Russian. When our leaders confer with those of other nations, the communication must be through interpreters with the risk of misinterpretations. During the Iranian crisis, and the hostage situation, serious communication problems occurred because Americans in Iran lacked foreign language skills. ~ : 1 ?:?:* t /unci luiin iwicign sci viue uiiilci!) anu military people stationed throughout the world are generally unable to function adequately because they do not speak the language of the country they are assigned to. Such communication inadequacies can lead to disastrous consequences. The President's Commission on Foreign Languages and International Studies has emphasized that incompetence in foreign languages has helped crcate a "dangerously inadequate understanding of world affairs," which is a threat to national secruity. The commission was appointed to investigate the problem and suggest solutions. Economically, the lack of foreign language skills among Americans nas recently Deen snown in numerous instances. For example, the president's commission has found that fewer than 900 U.S. businessmen working in Japan speak Japanese. Nearly 10,000 Japanese assigned to the United States are proficient in English. In his book The Tongue Tied American, Confronting the Foreign Language Crisis, Congressman Paul Simon of Illinois reports on countless international business blunders that Americans have made because of lack of foreign language skills. For example, Schweppes Tonic was advertised in Italy as "bathroom water" and General Motors' "Body by Fisher" came out "Corpse by Fisher" in Flemish. Neither of these helped sales. As Simon points out, "We must learn the language and c ulture of others if we expect to sell." There is hope that some of the many errors Americans have been making because of foreign deficiencies may be eliminated in tin* future. To begin with, the president's I commission has marie far-rpnrhina rwrnnmonHatinnc (Dr. Dannerbeck is chairman of USC's Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. He holds A.B. and M A T. degrees from Indiana University and a Ph.D. degree from Purdue University.) 1 ! xlA Expires: | Super Slaw 3-3-82 I ^ H with mustard, homemade || chili and slaw, and onions 151.09 Gameroom and Ice Cream ' ! j| Open til I 2:00 | IS 1 Expires: M Bar B Q Pork 3 3-82 1 Sandwich j H sprvi'il u/illi iliui mil I i pickles on warm bun. ! I $1-09 1 | I Gameroom and Ice Cream [ j Open til 12:00 1 Chocolate Nut I 1 Sundae With Vanilla Ice Cream i j Topped with Milk Chocolate > I I Syrup, Walnuts. Whipped Cream. and a Cherry , U I 79<t [i , ; Gamerooni and Ice Cream Open til 12.00 T ower; ComDl BY FORREST BROWN Staff Writer j What began as a dream for members of Towers Government last summer will be a reality after spring break. A recreational/party room for Towers residents is entering the final stages of renovation. The 23-by-64-foot room, located between Douglas and LaBorde dorms is being renovated for Towers residents to have an adequate recreational/party room. i > ? u ?: - iNUi uicui ocsatit , vjiid11 iiiuu of the Towers DevelQpment Committee, said that booths similar to those found in restaurants are being placed in the room. Other additions included a complete stereo system, a food bar and another bar that will serve beer only for Towers parties. Bessac said labor will come from outside sources and from Towers residents. The recreational room is financed by Towers Government funds. Bessac said Residential Life Services and the Towers area manager have given the project their full support. Bessac said, "The room will be used by Towers-area groups only. We will not rent out to other groups." ; Before the renovations i were started, a trial party was held in the room Dec. 4 j to discover possible 1 problems. ? "The party went over real well. It was very successful, ] DtJNDtll Mi ?Governmem etion Ut Varr ? T^T-l S || i?BHf||^^^^^Kli B ;? 1S|^hB^HH SH^RHs^^^Klff" ? - w ^Hk|^H^^B^^BHb Mtj|flWfl||^lf38Bp^.r ;'":?^t^^? SB^h aanHPiwl:: ^ Hs |11fl^^H?lli 8 HH Renovation of the inside of the Tower completion. and we had good at- since it was still i tendance," Bessac said, construction. He add< "There were some problems could cost anywhere in several areas, but I think $1,000 to $3,000. tve came up with some good He named several re; solutions." for renovating the room Bessac said he did not "There is a lot of know the cost of the project dalism with hall parties ^N. I COUNSEL DEVELOf \ "The Co Confi f? L7.T^zTr^fzJl .".>-" gffjfcltg'?ri>aa&g3iBH^M A A A av - ? m b bhb| be ebbbhb tc . ' t Awaits it rnnm ? WJ* V*l % ^ fc * ? *| * v p+* v V* V* 'A* v V V V* *> * * * * *% *** * * ?fi* * * v* *T* * *j* * v% *A #?% *J* #v? +?* .'^**Sj?.,?% #^k ?y iinniiim iiiiiinui 1 ': : 33S; ." / 'Jtt. ^ v ; v - I k^r'JrTz^^7'-' >" 1 I IP :'; ' I p ' " J ^ ;gMf^B18EK& :;:->x<j:-:^ - \ ??:-. \ - x^rf v:-:-.~ j iifflAflihwiVivivi-'- it I 'Miiiiiiiii.. SUff Photo by DAVID GRIMLEY s recreation room is near jnder in the recreational room, it ed it can be controlled better, from Also, hall parties are not very efficient dollar wise." asons He added, "We can also have a variety of parties in van- the room. It offers us ver, and satility." INC AND HUMAN >MENT CENTERS uriseling Service ! SC students" j * ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT : liLjiliMV rnNTFPNS ggaf * im provi-: mm dbbu study g 11?& techniques effective ' reading idleton Building Pendleton Street I 777-5223 j; (tcntiul Assistance I iiiiiiM ;sure I > READ 1 THE I ;NT MEDIA I n DON I GE10. I