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Shannyn Harris
sharris@stpaulchristian.org 

 

Click here to go to the World Languages and Cultures Shutterfly. 

 

World Languages and Cultures

In a world where global connectedness and cross-cultural interactions are becoming increasingly prevalent, it is essential to prepare students to engage other cultures with understanding and sensitivity. As a school committed to academic excellence, leadership development, and impacting the world for Christ, St. Paul has created a language program that reflects our mission and uniquely prepares our students for the 21st century world. 

 

Academic Excellence:

In World Languages and Cultures, students will study a variety of prominent world languages. Rather than learning discrete vocabulary words, they will learn useful conversational phrases that will enable them to greet, thank, and converse politely with people from around the world. Students will also study non-verbal means of communication, learning the meanings behind gestures and social cues around the world. In addition, studying a variety of languages will show students how many global languages are connected through the same root languages, and it will deepen their understanding of how language in general works. 

Passion for Christ:

At the heart of our mission is a desire that every student will love and serve Christ first, and learning how to love and serve His people is key to that mission. As we explore other cultures, students will be guided in learning about the experiences of Christians around the world and praying for the spread of the gospel. Developing sensitivity and respect for all people, even when we don't necessarily condone all of their beliefs and practices, will enable students to show Christ's love to others in concrete ways, opening the door to the spread of the gospel.  

 

Leadership Development:

Students' study of each language will be complemented by a focus on the culture of a prominent country that speaks that language. As the future leaders of families, churches, businesses, ministries, and even our nation, our students need to be equipped to interact winsomely with people around the world, both within our borders and abroad.  

 

Sunday, February 10th marks the start of the Chinese New Year! The Chinese Arts Alliance is hosting an eight-course banquet in honor of the event; for more information, click here. Or to celebrate on a smaller scale, visit this website for some fun ideas to celebrate at home. 

The Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival will be held Saturday, March 23rd. The Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of spring and friendship between Japan and America occasioned by the blossoming cherry trees, which are part of a ten-year mission to plant 1,000 cherry trees throughout Nashville. It will include a cherry blossom walk, an arts and crafts tent with demonstrations and exhibits of Japanese culture, a Ginza Marketplace with Japanese products for sale, and the opportunity to taste Japanese foods from local restaurants. Visit here for more information.  

April 18th-20th marks the Rivers & Spires Festival in Clarksville, TN. Rivers & Spires is an award-winning, free festival with live music, interactive entertainment, activities for kids, and great food held in historic downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. In addition to local art, food, and activities, the festival hosts a "Festival of Nations" showcasing the diverse cultures of the Clarksville community in an array of costumes, dance, food, and visual arts. Festival of Nations is a whole world of culture, cuisine, and entertainment in one area. Among the diverse regions represented are cultural experiences from Japan, Panama, China, India, Africa, the Phillipines, Germany, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and many more. Visit here for more information. 

The TACA Tennessee Crafts Fair is May 3rd-5th at Nashville's Centennial Park. Celebrate, preserve, and support Tennessee's rich craft heritage on the lawn of Nashville's famed Parthenon. In addition to the array of high-quality crafts, visitors can enjoy food from area vendors, family-friendly activities in the Publix Kids' Tent, and demonstrations from artisans aimed to educate as they create pieces in front of your eyes. Visit here for more information.

The World Music and Food Festival will run from July 19th-21st, 2013, at Centennial Park, Nashville, TN. It will host various live artists, cultural dancers, comedians, and vendors. It will be a festival of celebration and culture! Visit here for more information.