Field’s Language Department Chair and Spanish Teacher Karin Davidovich shares the importance of immersing students in culture to enhance their learning experience in world languages. Learn more about the local and international opportunities students have. “ When we focus on rich, engaging, meaningful content and experiences, then language seems to take care of itself.”
“ When we focus on rich, engaging, meaningful content and experiences, then language seems to take care of itself.”
— Catherine Snow, Learning to Talk by Talking
When I first arrived in the U.S. from Argentina two decades ago, I was taken aback by a seemingly straightforward question from a fast food cashier: "For here or to go?" Despite years of studying English in school and private institutes, I couldn't quite grasp the intent behind the question. In my home country, taking food to go wasn't as commonplace, highlighting the cultural disparity rather than a mere language barrier.
Over the past twenty years, I've had the privilege of teaching Spanish in diverse settings, ranging from serving as a teaching assistant during my Master's and Ph.D. studies to being a visiting professor at various liberal arts colleges, teaching Spanish to diplomats, and now at Field. Throughout my journey, I've made it my mission to emphasize the importance of culture in language teaching. Our language department's teaching philosophy revolves around this notion: understanding culture is essential to gaining proficiency in a language and fostering genuine and meaningful connections with others.
At Field, we take pride in offering our students the opportunity to travel abroad during Intersession and immerse themselves in the rich culture of the language they are studying. Last year, students embarked on a journey to Spain to discover the communities and cultures that have shaped Spanish culture. Students visited iconic places such as la Alhambra in Sevilla, la Mezquita de Córdoba, and marveled at the art in el Museo del Prado and Reina Sofia in Madrid. If you want to read more about this trip see Kevin’s blog about his thoughts as a chaperone: LINK HERE. This year, students enrolled in French classes level III or up, will immerse themselves in the culture, history, and language of France. Students who participate in these trips return to our classrooms with genuine and renewed motivation. For those who are in the lower levels of the language and have not yet traveled, the prospect of such an experience becomes something to eagerly anticipate during their language studies at Field.
We also know that meaningful and authentic cultural experiences can be had without leaving Washington D.C. Every unit and lesson we design aims to immerse our students in the diverse and rich cultures associated with the languages they are learning, offering them new perspectives on the world. To affirm our belief in the importance of teaching language through culture, every year we organize different cultural experiences and activities for our students. This year, Field students visited the Kreeger Museum to study the artwork of Spanish painters and Francophone artists. They received a tour in Spanish at the Mexican Institute to learn about the Mexican tradition of Dia de Muertos. French IV students went to Bonjour Books in Kensington for their unit on storytelling, to draw inspiration for storylines and characters for the book they later wrote. At Patisserie Christophe in Georgetown, they practiced ordering breakfast in French, immersing themselves in the experience of the French cafes, a vital aspect of French culture. Additionally, they attended the play Quijote y Sancho Panza, nuevas andanzas, at the Gala Theater.
Throughout the year, students explored different recipes from various Spanish and Francophone countries, read short stories, watched films, and learned about the history and current events of different countries. Out of their own interest, students in Advanced French class studied the history of France. They diligently worked together to create a Museum exhibition with interactive activities for their audience, providing a structured experience for students in other French classes who visited the Museum. Spanish students explored the world of dance, learning the intricate steps of flamenco and even tango from professional dancers we invited to Field. Looking ahead, our French students are getting ready to visit the special exhibition "Marjorie Merriweather Post's Paris" at the Hillwood Museum.
At Field, we're all about creating memorable experiences for our students. Beyond just language skills, we want them to feel connected to the vibrant cultures they're learning about. Whether it is through a trip abroad, local cultural activities, and hands-on class projects our goal is to motivate our students and to spark in them curiosity and enthusiasm. By immersing themselves in these experiences, Field students not only learn languages but also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
Don Quijote, Gala Theater
