Foreign Language Department

"If we spoke a different language,

we would perceive a somewhat different world."

-Ludwig Wittgenstein

 

Language Department

TMP-Marian offers German, Latin, Spanish and Japanese.  Our language courses are designed to broaden understanding of the global world.  Studying the classical and modern languages will increase vocabulary, improve grammar, and broaden your cultural horizons.

 

German:  German is said to be the language of business and industry.  Germany has long been known for its fine workmanship and quality products.  Ellis County has a rich Volga German Heritage and still practices some of the traditions brought with the early settlers of this area more than one hundred twenty-five years ago.  In order to understand our roots and gain an appreciation for our grandparents and great-grandparents, it is important to learn about the past.  Many students take German because they feel this connection and also want to be able to speak and understand the language.  These experiences as well as the local dialect are part of the learning incorporated in this course.  It is important for us to study our past history, gain a true appreciation for our ties to this heritage, and celebrate the contributions made by our ancestors.

 

Latin:    Latin is said to be a dead language, but it is very much alive at TMP-Marian.  Under the direction of Magistra Braun, students learn valuable lessons which aid in learning across the curriculum.  Latin is the basis of numerous languages, including the field of medicine.  Expand your vocabulary and explore understanding and recognizing Latin roots.  Through Latin students learn to recognize roots of words and apply this knowledge to the challenges encountered throughout their studies at TMP-Marian.

 

Spanish:    Slowly becoming the first language of the United States, it is spoken everywhere.  The Hispanic population is growing fast and there is a demand to learn Spanish in all areas.  More than 300,000,000 people speak Spanish in eighteen different countries and Puerto Rico.  Studies show that learning another language aids in learning one's own language. Career and travel opportunities expand with the knowledge of another language.  We are a global society and communication with others in their language and understanding another culture help to bring about a greater appreciation for all people.  Expand your horizons and learn another language.

 

Japanese:  We are seeing an interest in learning the Asian languages as we become more global. 

 

Course Offerings:

·        Latin I, II (III and IV if requested)

·        German I, II (III if requested)

·        Spanish I, II (III if requested)

·        Japanese I

 

Meet the Faculty

Mrs. Linda Braun – Latin

I have a sense of humor and I look on the positive side of things.  There is a serious side, but I balance that with my sense of humor.  I have three grandsons and two children.  I like the combination of my physical and mental labors. 

 

“All roads lead to Rome.”- Linda Braun

 

Mrs. Clara Walters – German and ESL

I’ve had a keen interest in foreign language since I was very young.  I grew up understanding and somewhat speaking the German dialect of Ellis County.  I have always dreamed of being a foreign language teacher.  After raising seven children and partnering in the farming operation with my husband, I reentered college and received my degree in 1995, at the age of 49.

 

“When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”-Clara Walters

 

Mrs. Melissa Pinkney – Spanish

I have recently started teaching foreign language and it is something I’m passionate about.  I enjoy seeing my students succeed in and out of the classroom.  I graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2007 and am excited about the teaching years ahead of me.

 

“Don’t be afraid of moving forward, only fear standing still.”- Chinese proverb