“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.”
‒Rita Mae Brown
We believe that learning language is vital for our students’ journey in becoming responsible, global citizens. Through language, students at YIS acquire the ability to think and learn, to develop social/emotional skills and values, and to acquire knowledge.
Our students come from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This diversity creates a unique learning environment where students are encouraged to develop awareness of “multiple perspectives, thus developing intercultural awareness which fosters tolerance and respect, but may also lead to empathy.” (IB 2004).
Research has shown the numerous cognitive and social benefits of speaking more than one language, and we are dedicated to providing support systems in order to further develop our students’ abilities to communicate in more than one language. This includes support and instruction in English as an additional language (EAL), facilitation of mother tongue language classes and Language B (foreign language acquisition) course offerings in grades 6 - 12. All YIS teachers are language teachers who promote language development.
Please see our Language Policy for further details.