Parlez-Vous…?
Much like taking up a musical instrument at any stage of life, beginning a language journey has great implications for mental well-being, whether you're mastering some phrases to get by while traveling or striving to become fluent.
A 2016 study entitled "Novelty, Challenge, and Practice: The Impact of Intensive Language Learning on Attentional Functions" by Thomas H. Bak, Madeleine R. Long, Mariana Vega-Mendoza, and Antonella Sorace concluded that "significant improvement in an attentional switching task" was noticed after just one week of an intensive Scottish Gaelic course. "Our results suggest that even a short period of intensive language learning can modulate attentional functions and that all age groups can benefit from this effect. Moreover, these short-term effects can be maintained through continuous practice. The improvement was noted across all age groups, from 18 to 78 years old," the study stated.
…Allemand?
The original Deutsches Haus opened its doors in 1928, the culmination of several German immigration aid and cultural organizations banding together during the trying times after World War I. Louisiana Act. No. 114 was passed in 1918, which prohibited "the teaching of the German language in the public and private elementary and high schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions in the state of Louisiana, and to provide penalties for the violation of this Act." Though the discriminatory act was repealed in 1921, World War II loomed, and Deutsches Haus member numbers dropped. The German Beer Garden at the 1984 Louisiana World Expo saw a resurgence of New Orleans-German cultural appreciation.
Now a thriving organization that hosts several events annually at their clubhouse along Bayou St. John, members and non-members are welcome to learn German there. The Haus hosts three semesters of classes between 10 and 13 weeks for adults and children, members and non-members. Those who want to try out the language first are welcome to come for movie nights and folk singing events.
…Française?
New Orleanians have always felt a strong connection to France, so, naturally, French is a popular language to learn for youths and adults. L'Union Française and Alliance Française of New Orleans are two organizations that promote French culture and language in the city.
L'Union Française formed in 1872 with the intent to preserve French language and culture in New Orleans, the new, permanent home of French citizens. After the loss of their original building on N. Rampart Street to a fire, the organization purchased their current 4522 Prytania St. building in 1961. Adults and children are invited to take part in classes designed to "make communication in French a natural, personalized, enjoyable, and rewarding experience."
Classes are held at various times and days to accommodate almost any schedule, and the proficiency levels start at Beginner and end at Near Native. Even l'argot (slang) is explained through film and music excerpts. You can get a taste of L'Union Française by joining a lecture, workshop, or culinary class conducted in English.
Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orleans is one branch of a large, international network of French cultural hubs. This non-profit organization has been teaching French and hosting events in New Orleans since 1984. Francophiles young and old can take lessons at Alliance Française's Uptown building at 1519 Jackson Ave. or join in online, with proficiency levels ranging from Elementary to Proficient and Conversational. Concerts, wine classes, and other events are also open to the public at the New Orleans chapter building. The Lafayette chapter has the distinction of offering Standard, Cajun, and Creole French courses.
…Espagnol?
Casa de España gives Spanish lessons for adults out of an Uptown location (8200 Hampson St.) and Marigny location (2372 St. Claude Ave.) for eight-week terms that take place five times annually. Casa de España offers specialized on-site courses for businesses in which employees can learn basic Spanish and industry-specific terms. Occasionally, the organization hosts special courses in Conversational Spanish and Spanish for Travelers, in addition to events held just for fun.
…La Langue de Signes?
New Orleans Deaf Church is more than just a place of worship. Anyone can join in their free Monday night online American Sign Language sessions. There are a variety of proficiency levels to help introduce you to ASL or deepen your understanding of it.
…Russe?
The New Orleans Russian Community Center in Metairie holds 16 week-term Russian language classes online in three proficiency levels, all of which involve speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Some of these classes may involve more hands-on activities such as cooking.
…Italien?
The American Italian Cultural Center teaches Italian in eight proficiency levels, from Novice I to Conversation. The sessions last for eight weeks and begin anew four times a year. It also regularly hosts group trips to Italy's most celebrated cities, and these language courses can certainly enhance your time in that beautiful country.
Delgado Community College's partnership with Ed2Go offers non-credit online courses in many topics, including languages. In addition to Spanish, French, and ASL, they have Conversational Japanese. The six-week course features 24 hours of lessons focused on the essential components of Japanese, perfect for those traveling abroad.
Though we live in an age of live conversation translation technology, garnering basic words and phrases of a language new to you can open up a whole world of possibilities.
