Global Understanding Through World Language Learning

Decorations for Mr. Yang's classroom at Bluffs Middle School.

George Mason University defines global understanding as the ability to see the world from multiple perspectives, reflect upon our positions in a global society, and to be prepared for future engagement as global citizens. Kent University adds that global understanding includes intergroup relations, intercultural communications, conflict mitigation, and global development and sustainability. Both the U.S. Department of Defense and the PeaceCorps promote the importance of intercultural communication as a way of building relationships. In this issue, we’ll explore why global understanding is both an integral element and a goal of world language education.