The former ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder Modified Foreign Language Program has dropped the word ‘foreign’ from its name to emphasize inclusivity and recognize the harm inherent in the word

The University of ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder Anderson Language and Technology Center (ALTEC) and the Department of Spanish and Portuguese are dropping the “f” word.

Beginning today, the former Modified Foreign Language Program is now the Modified Language Program, dropping the word “foreign” to emphasize a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment and recognize the harm inherent in the term “foreign” when applied to languages other than English.

The Modified Foreign Language Program (MFLP) was established in 1998 and initially focused on speech pathology and language learning disabilities. Over 26 years, it transformed into a collaborative between ALTEC and the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, offering modified Spanish courses for students with dyslexia, learning disabilities, PTSD or who otherwise experience difficulties learning another language.

The now-Modified Language Program (MLP) is one of the few university programs in the field of modified language instruction nationally. While some schools and universities allow at-risk students to waive language requirements or take substitution courses, that at-risk students have the ability to learn another language. Also, feedback from former students emphasizes how important and impactful the program was for them.

The MLP provides support to students facing language-related challenges. Class sizes are capped at 14 students, allowing instructors to give personalized instruction that caters to individual needs and learning styles. A multisensory teaching approach enhances memory and retention, while accommodations ensure every student has the chance to succeed. Additionally, free tutoring services offered through ALTEC further supplement classroom learning.

Dropping the word “foreign” from the program name signifies a commitment to linguistic justice and acknowledges the exclusionary connotations of the term when applied to languages other than English.

In the United States, MLP administrators note, the adjective “foreign” has become a shorthand when referring to languages other than English. This trend previously extended to leading professional organizations like ACTFL, previously known as the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, as well as publications and other educational institutions, including ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder.

Now, ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder has replaced the adjective “foreign” with “world” when describing languages other than English, and ACTFL has dropped the word “foreign” from its materials and website as well as from the organization name. This change reflects the understanding that diversity and inclusivity should be celebrated and that the word “foreign” can be alienating and exclusionary, MLP administrators note. Moreover, for Spanish-heritage speakers and Latinx-identifying individuals, Spanish is not "foreign," but a local language and part of a cultural identity.

The name change happened April 1 to coincide with the start of Celebrate Diversity Month. The name change and continuing evolution of the program were spearheaded by Elizabeth Huard, program coordinator in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese; Ayelen Costa, educational services coordinator at ALTEC; Susanna Pàmies, director of ALTEC; Esther Brown, chair of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese; and Tracy Quan, a linguistic expert who consulted on the name change.

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Join the Anderson Language and Technology Center (ALTEC) this summer to learn a language and broaden your horizon from the comfort of your home! Languages include American Sign Language, French, Japanese and Spanish.

Join ALTEC this summer for remote language classes in American Sign Language, French, Japanese and Spanish

We welcome you to engage in an energizing and fun, yet intensive learning experience. In support of the community at this time, ALTEC is offering a 20% discount on our fees; community member tuition is $200 and current ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ affiliates pay $100.

This special summer session is designed with beginners in mind, whether you are brand new to the language or want to solidify the basics. Each class runs four weeks from July 6th through July 31st. You will meet live via Zoom every week at 3-4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; an additional two hours of learning material will be hosted online for you to complete at your convenience. 

to learn more and  have to say. Classes fill up quickly—! 

Update (06/18/2020)

Our first class was so popular that we've opened a second section of beginning Spanish this summer. This new class will meet remotely on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6 to 7 p.m. !

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The Anderson Language and Technology Center (ALTEC) at the University of ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder can guide your language learning adventure. When you’re stress-free from earning a grade, the only priority is learning, the center says.

The fall 2019 classes will include multiple levels of French, Italian, and Spanish. “We are also excited to announce that our program has expanded to feature less commonly taught languages—join us to learn Japanese and Thai this fall,” the center said.

Evening classes are well suited for busy adults with a desire to learn new languages and about cultures. “These engaging classes are non-credit with no tests and our students are highly motivated to learn the language for use in their professions, social lives and travels—read what they have to say!”&�Բ�����;

Students enrolled in ALTEC language classes have access to a large collection of language learning materials. Need another reason to join? Learning another language can increase your memory plasticity!

Classes run for ten weeks beginning on Sept. 9 and meet once a week at 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Hellems building on campus. 

The community member tuition cost is $250, and current ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ faculty, staff and graduate students receive a 50% discount. 

Classes fill up quickly, so it is best to enroll as soon as registration begins. Payments can be made by credit card, cash or check. Interdepartmental invoices are also accepted, should your department wish to sponsor your tuition. 

Learn more and register at this link. For more information about what else ALTEC has to offer,  

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For those who want to learn or brush up on a foreign language without the pressure of earning a grade, the University of ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder offers a range of courses this fall. 

The Anderson Language and Technology Center (ALTEC) offers multiple levels of French, Italian and Spanish in fall, along with Directed Independent Language Study courses in Danish, Indonesian, Swedish, Thai and Tibetan. 

ALTEC language classes are non-credit and for enrichment only. Classes run for 10 weeks beginning Sept. 10 and meet once a week for two hours. 

Community members can register for these classes and pay $200 per class. Current ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder faculty, staff and graduate students receive a 50-percent discount. Payments can be made by credit card, cash or check. Interdepartmental invoices are also accepted, should a department wish to sponsor tuition. 

Students have access to a large collection of foreign language materials at the ALTEC Multimedia Library, in Hellems 159. 

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, closing on Friday, Aug. 31. 

With smaller class sizes and more individualized attention from the instructor, the Directed Independent Language Study(DILS) program makes possible the study of less commonly taught languages. This fall, ALTEC will offer three-credit-hour classes in Danish, Indonesian and Swedish and non-credit courses in Thai and Tibetan. 

University staff can use their tuition benefit to register online in Myŷ���ڱ���ƵInfo for the Danish, Indonesian and Swedish courses. Staff may take the Thai and Tibetan classes at no charge by emailing altec@colorado.edu

Visit the DILS program page to learn more about Danish, Indonesian and Swedish courses. Register for French, Spanish or Italian courses on the ALTEC language classes web page. 

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