WESTPORT — Ever-evolving technology has effectively reduced the size of the world to a microchip, so learning how to communicate with people from different cultures and their languages is critical.
More than 200 of Staples High School’s graduating seniors have achieved a solid foundation for bridging cultural barriers posed by that inability to relate to others in languages unfamiliar to most Americans.
The high school’s World Languages Department reports that 215 “Seals of Biliteracy” have been awarded to members of the Class of 2023, recognizing their proficiency in two or more languages — one of which is English.
Spanish was the foreign language in which the largest number of Staples seniors achieved proficiency, with 126 students receiving biliteracy citations, school officials said.
The number of students recognized for their skills in other languages breaks down as follows: 29 in French, 26 in Italian, 12 in Mandarin Chinese, seven in German, six in Latin, two in Hindi, one in Czech, one in Haitian Creole, one in Hebrew, one in Japanese, one in Marathi, one in Polish and one in Thai.
The Seal of Biliteracy is “a testament to a student’s dedication to building literacy skills, and is designed to enhance a student’s future educational and employment credentials,” the school’s statement said.
“It also provides recognition of the progress made in developing language and communication skills. The seal affirms the value of diversity and honors the cultures and languages in our community.”
Nothing is more important to the survival of the human race then communication.
Great work by the kids and the entire Staples World Languages department.