“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” – Nelson Mandela

Learning Languages Through Human Rights Issues:

Exploring human rights and learning Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian at an advanced level, guided by ACTFL standards, offers a comprehensive educational experience that integrates the five key skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and cultural understanding. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances linguistic proficiency but also deepens learners’ awareness of global human rights issues. By engaging with authentic texts, participating in discussions, and producing written and spoken content, students develop critical thinking and empathy. This holistic method prepares learners to communicate effectively and advocate for human rights in diverse cultural contexts.


About this Project

This project is supported by Smith College and a Conway Center Innovation Grant.