The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, March 01, 1982, Page Page 4, Image 4
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.)
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151.09
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and a Cherry , U
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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.
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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, ]
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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
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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."
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