A Look Into Maranatha High School’s Modern Language

The Modern Language Department is passionate about developing a love of language, but also about developing an understanding and appreciation for other countries and cultures. In today’s global society what better way to develop success in school, business, and relationships than by being able to communicate with someone in their native tongue. Furthermore, as the global body of Christ, what better way to build solidarity and community than by understanding someone in their heart language. The Modern Language Department strives for a top notch, college preparatory language education in Spanish, French and American Sign Language (ASL), while intentionally integrating Maranatha’s Christian focus into our curriculum.

Students in the modern Language department are offered many opportunities to take their language skills beyond the classroom through clubs, international trips, and local field trips. For example, French students take an annual field trip to a French restaurant in the month of April. They walk from school to Old Pasadena or take the Gold Line to South Pasadena. They enjoy authentic French food and the opportunity to order in French. French 3 students recently completed a project detailing their daily routine using reflexive verbs and photos. Some of the photos taken featured students wearing a facial mask, brushing their teeth, or soundly sleeping in their beds.

Students have the opportunity to continue their love of language through the French Film Club which features a different French film each quarter. In October, they watched “Coco Before Chanel” and the film offered in December is “Joyeux Noel,” a World War I story featuring the German, French and English languages. It is the story of soldiers putting aside the war in order to celebrate Christmas together. The ASL Club also utilize their skills by participating in Deaf Awareness Day at Disneyland, and through “Deaf” lunches at the mall several times a year, giving them an opportunity to use their language in a real life situation. Members of the ASL classes and ASL Club also have the opportunity to take a weekend mission trip each year to Rancho Sordo Mudo Deaf School in Mexico to work with the students and build community.

Additionally, the Spanish 3 classes have participated in chapel by singing worships songs in Spanish. This school year a group of Spanish language students will participate in a Spanish Language Spelling Bee hosted by Azusa Pacific University. In the past, students have had the opportunity to travel to both France and Costa Rica with Maranatha to be immersed in a culture and language they have studied in class.

Maranatha High School, 169 South Saint John Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 817-4000 or visit www.maranatha-hs.org.