World Languages at RHS
Roosevelt High School offers French, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish in Levels I - IV and Advanced Placement. American Sign Language is offered in Levels I - III. Language learning is integral to providing students with life-long learning skills necessary for successfully participating in both the workplace and the global society of the 21st Century.
Students who study a foreign language acquire organizational skills, an understanding of systems (which transfers to the world of technology), an attention to detail and precision, and an ability to transfer knowledge from one situation to another. Students not only enhance their reading, writing, and speaking skills in the acquired language, but also in English.
Refer to the RHS Course Description catalog for detailed information about courses for each of these languages.
Information about specific dates for World Language activities can be found on the RHS Calendar. Club information is located on the Clubs page.
American Sign Language
American Sign Language (also referred to as ASL) is a visual-gestural language created and used by nearly a million Deaf people in the United States and Canada. It is the fourth most widely used language in the country. ASL not only is the first language of the Deaf, but also carries with it the culture of generations of Deaf in America. ASL is now being accepted as a foreign language by a vast number of colleges and universities throughout the country.
French
The study of French is important because, other than English, French is the only global language spoken on five continents and worldwide. It is the second most frequently taught language after English. It gives students the opportunity to discover Francophone language and culture throughout the world and to appreciate France's contribution to our own language, art, literature and philosophy.
French students have the opportunity to participate in a trip to France during spring break every other year and in the French Club.
Japanese
The study of Japanese promotes the development of serious study skills and personal enrichment through the discovery of a culture totally different from their own. The powerful economic ties between the Pacific Northwest and Japan/Asia offer tremendous career opportunities for those who learn to speak Japanese.
Japanese students have the opportunity to participate in the Japanese Club.
Latin
The ancient Romans and their native tongue, Latin, have greatly influenced the English language, as well as the political organization, customs, literature, philosophy, and art of the United States, and other countries whose governments are founded on the principles of Western Civilization. Annual extra-curricular opportunities include State and National JCL Conventions and travel to Italy and Greece.
Latin students have the opportunity to participate in:
Roosevelt in Rome
This program which supports Ancient Latin and Classical Studies at Roosevelt High School is specific to Roosevelt and focuses on making connections between classroom and field study. Students study near the Campo dei Fiori under the auspices of the University of Washington's Rome Program.
Latin Conventions
Washington/British Columbia State Convention in the spring and the National Convention in the summer.
Spanish
Because of our proximity to Latin America and the increased number of Hispanics entering the job market in the US, Spanish has become almost indispensable. Students can benefit from a knowledge of Spanish in whatever career they might choose.