February 05, 2008
Frankfort Makes the Grade in Languages … Barely
Capitol scores a solid C- in “Pop Quiz” to Generate Awareness of National “Discover Languages” Campaign
301 Kentucky Capitol lunch-goers including many State Legislators were asked "What time is it?" in Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish today. The results indicate the Kentucky’s legislators and visitors to the State Capitol need more language skills to support the state’s position on the world stage. The surprise "Pop Quiz" was conducted by more than 100 world language students from Fayette, Franklin and Jessamine County schools. The results were:
129 passers-by did not respond at all to the question.
126 responded, politely, in English. Sometimes with comprehension.
46 people responded accurately in the correct language.
"As Kentucky prepares to host the 2010 World Equestrian Games and tries to become a player in the global market place," said Kentucky World Language Association President Thomas Sauer, "there’s never been a more important time for all Kentuckians to bring the critical importance of language learning to the top of the agenda in Kentucky."
Media Coverage:
- WTVQ 36
- Frankfort State Journal