Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century, 1999
and
Standards for Foreign Language Learning: Preparing for the
21st Century, 1996National Standards in Foreign
Language Education

The 5 C's
Communication, Culture, Connections,
Comparisons, Communities



Standards-based world
languages education and the New Jersey standards reflect the themes in the Standards
for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (1999), known as
"The Five Cs." These standards describe the "what"
(content) of world languages learning and form the core of standards-based
instruction in the world languages classroom.


Communication


The communication standard stresses the use of
language for communication in "real life" situations. It emphasizes
"what students can do with language" rather than "what they know
about language." Students are asked to communicate in oral and written
form, interpret oral and written messages, and show cultural understanding when
they communicate and present oral and written information to various audiences
for a variety of purposes.


Cultures


Cultural understanding is an important part of
world languages education. Experiencing other cultures develops a better
understanding and appreciation of the relationship between languages and other
cultures, as well as the student's native culture. Students become better able
to understand other people's points of view, ways of life, and contributions to
the world.


Connections


World languages instruction must be connected
with other subject areas. Content from other subject areas is integrated with
world language instruction through lessons that are developed around common
themes.


Comparisons


Students are encouraged to compare and contrast
languages and cultures. They discover patterns, make predictions, and analyze
similarities and differences across languages and cultures. Students often come
to understand their native language and culture better through such
comparisons.


Communities


Extending learning experiences from the world
language classroom to the home and multilingual and multicultural community
emphasizes living in a global society. Activities may include: field trips, use
of e-mail and the World Wide Web, clubs, exchange programs and cultural
activities, school-to-work opportunities, and opportunities to hear speakers of
other languages in the school and classroom.