Curator’s Statement

by Sondra Phifer

This exhibit began with a spark. Last spring, Irene Motyl-Mudretskj and I were having a casual conversation about our spring break when the topic of immersive language pedagogy came up. Irene had just returned from Vienna with her students, where they conducted interviews with Middle Eastern migrants. Irene passionately recalled the experience: she had witnessed the transformation of her intermediate level college student into advanced, mature global citizens. They felt confident in not only demonstrating their German-communication and navigation abilities, but developed a bond with the interviewees, where both sides crossed political and geographical boundaries through common language. It was at this moment that the flame had become a roaring fire. I looked at Irene and said, “I’m sorry to cut you off. Your experience sounds amazing and we need to share it with Barnard. We need an exhibit.”

Ten months later we bring you, “Beyond Boundaries: Exploring the World Through Language Learning.” Our goal is to exhibit the numerous benefits of foreign language learning and deliver the positive experiences of those who use it in their academic and personal lives.  We present a glimpse into the past of Barnard’s language history, and peer into the near future of language technological and pedagogical advancements. Barnard faculty, students, and alumnae share their personal experiences - discussing their motivations, hardships, and triumphs when learning a language.

Although it is not often talked about (and probably should), these moments of doubt are quite common when learning a language. We hope that by sharing stories and advice that students will find that these insecurities are a normal part of the learning process, and that these feelings should not inhibit them from going forward. When I was in high school, my parents visited my intermediate French instructor at a parent-teacher conference. He sat my parents down, expressing that their daughter was a hopeless case. “I’m sorry, but she is too American and will never learn the language.” He may not have the charisma for the ideal teacher, but all too often we recreate this negative voice in our own heads. Students must find a subject that inspires them to keep learning, whether it’s German and environmental sciences or French and art history. I found that my love of French art history motivates me to keep pursuing the language and my personal connection with the Barnard language faculty has inspired me to try German. Everyone has the ability to become fluent with a little motivation, guidance, and practice.

Sondra Phifer

Curator, Designer, and Life-long Learner