World Languages and Cultures

As a Spanish major and World Languages and Cultures minor, I have not only been taught Spanish and French, but I've been taught how to learn languages in general. I've also gained a deeper appreciation for foreign cultures and peoples in all of my classes. —Andrew Crosson, U.S. Foreign Service, Mexico and Thailand

The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers learning experiences and relationships within a Christian community, so that each participant may develop personal empowerment as we learn to communicate effectively across cultures, mature as disciplined scholars and develop enlightened insights and international awareness. Our students develop social and civic responsibility, as they become role models of cross-cultural understanding.

In addition to outstanding teaching in French, German, Spanish, critical languages and interdisciplinary majors and minors, our expert mentoring and extensive opportunities for study abroad give our graduates a distinct advantage in business, missions, education, law or any other profession that values those who can build bridges between world cultures. Our students also enjoy active language clubs, special activities and extensive connections to external language resources.

The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers learning experiences for students to develop ethical and spiritual strength, as we acknowledge a God whose love transcends linguistic and cultural barriers; build value systems that celebrate the diversity and fraternity of God's world; commit ourselves to lives of integrity and service to all God's people, and continuously to improve the effectiveness of the department, the campus, and the community, as together we strive to build bridges to the world.

Study Abroad

Language Technology Forum

The Language Technology Forum is the place where language learning and technology come together. It’s also the place where classroom knowledge is put into practice and conversational skills are developed.

Grace Marquéz Language Technology Forum

116 Russell Hall

Thom Thibeault, Director

What We Have

24 laptop computers
language software installed on computers
board and card games in different languages
ROKU with access to international TV
10-player buzzer set for adding competition to the learning process
optical drives for language software and DVDs
16 headsets with microphones
seating for 24
projection system
Solstice for wireless access to projection system
HDTV
Digital cameras

To take the language placement test please contact Thom Thibeault.

News

5 Things to Know About Heather West

Heather West joined Samford's faculty in 1993 and currently serves as Assistant Professor of French and Director of the Critical Languages Program. In 2015, the government of France named her Chevalier de l’ordre des Palmes académiques (Knight of the Order of Academic Palms) in recognition of her eminent service to French education and her contribution to the prestige of French culture. Inside Samford offers "5 Things to Know" about this outstanding professor.

Samford Welcomes Delegation of Ukrainian Journalists, Officials Nov. 20

The Delta Upsilon chapter of Dobro Slovo National Slavic Honor Society will welcome Scotty Colson, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Alabama, along with six Ukrainian Open World Delegates to Samford University November 20 at 5 p.m. in Reid Commons as part of a ten-day professional exchange during International Education Week.

Samford to Host Holocaust Survivor Nov. 20

Department of World Languages and Cultures will host Holocaust survivor Robert May and his daughter, Ann Mollengarden, for a special presentation related to its ongoing Tournées Film Festival Nov. 20 at 5:45 p.m. in Dwight Beeson Hall 131 (Brock Forum).