World Languages

Would you like to become more connected with our global community?
Have you considered how you could become a more effective witness for Christ in other cultures?
Would you like to be able to communicate with citizens of other countries when you travel abroad?
Do you want to have a linguistic advantage in the job market?

We can help you make these goals a reality in your life!

The goals of the world languages department are to aid students in:

gaining knowledge and appreciation of languages other than English; that is, their linguistic structure and the cultures and literatures that make use of these languages;
achieving an appropriate level of proficiency in each of the four language skills: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing;
reaching some understanding of language as an important aspect of man's being created in the image of God, and a basic means of expressing God's love and salvation in a meaningful and personal way.

Four semesters of Arabic study (Modern Standard Arabic, with some exposure to Egyptian and other dialects) enable students to converse at a basic level on everyday topics and read and write at a beginning intermediate level. Horizons expand as students become familiar with the very different structure and writing system of this non-European language and learn something about the cultures and worldviews of its speakers.

French students at Covenant are excited about learning not only the structure and vocabulary of the language, but also the fascinating differences in modern French culture and society. The advanced students study the details of correct French pronunciation and the richness of French literature during the 16th through the 18th centuries. Our students take advantage of study-abroad opportunities in Aix-en-Provence in southern France.

German students at Covenant are immersed in the rich culture of German-speaking Europe whether in conversation or in film studies, history or literature. With opportunities for service to the largest language group in Europe with MTW in eastern Berlin and study abroad during the academic year or in the summer, students are provided with additional incentives for further language development.

Spanish is becoming ever more popular and useful even here in our own nation. Even the beginning student has ample opportunity to practice with native speakers of Spanish, either here on campus or in the Chattanooga / Northwest Georgia community. You will learn conversational skills and structure in the beginning and intermediate levels, as well as interesting cultural information about the Spanish-speaking world. In the advanced levels you will study the structure, stylistics, literature, phonetics, culture, civilization, conversation and other aspects of the language in-depth.

American Sign Language, a language quickly growing in popularity due to its uniqueness and beauty, is the language of the Deaf Community right here in the United States. Students will learn beginning to intermediate conversational skills, vocabulary, and structure, with a special focus on aspects unique to a visual language. They will also delve into the rich history and culture of the American Deaf Community, dispelling common misconceptions and myths that surround the language and its native users.

"It’s part of Christian hospitality and showing loving concern for others when we take the effort to learn about another language and culture. It demonstrates Christ’s love to them."
- Dr. Sandy Shaw, professor emeritus of modern languages

Recent Senior Capstone Projects

“What’s the Verdict Regarding the Function and Usage of Slang”
“The Chicano Movement: Social Justice and Identity in Mexican-American Activism”
“An Exploration of Cultural Identity in North African Francophone Literature”
“National Socialism as Seen through the Eyes of Hobbes’ Work: A New Leviathan”
“A Study of Eighteenth Century French Botanical Exploration Efforts in North America”
“Educational Challenges of English Language Learners”
“German Giant Volkswagen and its Impact on the Outside World’s View of Germany and the Germans”