The benefits of effective foreign language instruction focus on the role of the individual in a multilingual, global society. No longer do Americans live in isolation; instead, there is an ever-changing, interdependent world in which diverse cultural and linguistic groups converge. The National Standards for Foreign Language Learning establish the academic, business, personal, recreational and practical benefits of studying foreign languages and the Illinois Learning Standards for Foreign Languages are based on this rationale. The national document states: "To study another language and culture gives one the powerful key to successful communication: knowing how, when, and why to say what to whom. All the linguistic and social knowledge required for effective human-to-human interaction is encompassed in those ten words. ... The approach to second language instruction found in today's schools is designed to facilitate genuine interaction with others, whether they are on another continent, across town, or within the neighborhood."

State Goals:

• Goal 28 - Communication - Use the target language to communicate within and beyond the classroom setting.
  
  
• Goal 29 - Culture and Geography - Use the target language to develop an understanding of the custom arts, literature, history and geography associated with the target language. 
  
  
• Goal 30 - Connections and Application - Use the target language to make connections and reinforce knowledge and skills across academic, vocational and technical disciplines.

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