La Habra High School
Foreign Language Department

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Foreign Language Standards
FOREIGN LANGUAGE 4 and 5

COMMUNICATION

• communicate by speaking, reading, and writing.
• convey and interpret meaningful messages in person or via letters, e-mail, or audio and video tapes.
• understand others in situations that are planned and predictable as well as spontaneous and unpredictable.
• participate in a wide range of situations, both formal and informal, to discuss, to ask and answer questions, exchange information, make requests, describe feelings, and understand those of his/her companions.
• interpret what he/she observes, hears, reads, or views.
• present information, concepts, and ideas orally, visually, and in writing.
• determine the appropriate use of words in different contexts.
• learn that a given language may have many variations.
• discover cultural or linguistic appropriateness.
• apply appropriate grammar in real-life situations.
• comprehend the main idea.
• interpret and analyze a wide range of texts, including but not limited to written, audio, and video materials produced by and for native speakers.
• demonstrate an in-depth understanding of cultural differences.
• utilize a variety of authentic texts.
• relate personal experiences to different forms of literature in the target language.
• complete projects based on personal experiences and interests.
• focus on presentational competencies.
• apply the target language in an analytical manner.
• write papers, deliver oral presentations, and/or participate in literary plays.
• describe orally and in writing his/her personal experiences.
• write and speak in the target language in linguistically and culturally authentic ways.
• complete oral and written work that recognizes the culture of the audience and tailors the presentation to his/her experience and understanding.

CULTURES

• analyze and discuss the diversities of the culture where the target language is spoken.
• practice the target language in everyday life and in social situations.
• apply the knowledge of “what to do when and where.”
• acquire an appreciation for a culture’s art, music, and dance, its manners, and forms of address.
• explain how cultural perspectives form and in turn are shaped by products and practices.
• define the role that cultural perspectives play in language and life.
• identify differences, products, practices, and concepts to build a better understanding of other cultures.
• apply this knowledge in speech or writing.

CONNECTIONS

• apply the target language to broaden the educational experience.
• link the target language to other subject areas to support the concept that languages are a core subject in the learning experience.
• make connections between the target language and other classes.
• apply the concepts and content studied in the target language to other classes.
• associate how the target language words relate to English words.
• identify cultural nuances that can only be understood by knowing the target language.
• use the target language for acquiring information.
• apply languages in pursuit of disciplinary or career goals.
• apply the target language to the “real-world” situations.

COMPARISONS

• identify the similarities and differences between the target language and the language(s) already known.
• compare and contrast the linguistic and cultural differences.
• demonstrate a deeper knowledge of his/her own language(s) and of the nature of language generally.
• understand that although all languages share some characteristics, each is unique in how it is used to carry out specific tasks and functions.
• utilize idiomatic expressions, gender, differences in sound and writing systems, formal and informal expressions.
• identify the impact of culture on language.
• explain the relationship between the target language and culture and the language and culture he/she brings to the learning experience.

COMMUNITIES

• use what was learned in real-world settings.
• explore and use community and worldwide resources, such as the Internet and other technologies, or read and travel.
• investigate how learning another language has potential for life-long enhancement of career options as well as for the enrichment and enjoyment of everyday life.
• share ideas and questions in the target language via instantaneous communication.
• research cultures, languages, and interpersonal relationships by using text-based, audio, Internet, or video conferencing communication systems.
• explain the concept of being global citizens.
• demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and linguistic differences, making sure he/she always recognizes the dignity and individuality of all persons with whom he/she is communicating.
• become a life-long learner.
• engage in activities in the target language that may facilitate career options.
• reflect higher fluency levels.
• apply business etiquette and traditions of the culture of the target language.
• develop a career portfolio.