Community Language Lab

The vision.

This new language lab is meant to be a center for language study, conversation groups, and interaction with all those interested in languages (students, staff, faculty). We have computers for individual language study, each equipped with headphones and a mike so that speaking aloud is possible and placed in carrells for privacy. The center has a table for conversation groups and small bookshelves for donated dictionaries and other language materials. We hope to see conversation groups form so that learners can practice speaking in the language they are studying.

The space is, then, multipurpose. It will serve individuals wanting to learn a language or maintain proficiency in a language. It will serve academic programs and courses in which language study is required. It will serve as a lounge for all those interested in languages so that they can study, network, or converse.

The Community Language Lab is a unique vision. To our knowledge no other college or university has set out to create a center for those interested in language. Generally, colleges have language labs with equipment only—no space for other activities. Evergreen, however, is unique in trying to create community through its academic full-time programs, student extracurricular groups, resident hall activities, etc. This lab contributes to that ideal of community, creating a space where groups of the larger Evergreen community can meet to converse in various languages as well as a support center for academic work.

Please post your comments to our site. We hope to respond to your comments with the changes you propose. We also need your input because this lab is actually a pilot project--it is temporary. With your support, we can make it a permanent feature of the college community, even it if does not stay in its present location.