Speaks Out: Language Requirement

Michael Panameno
Second-year, physiological science
“I believe I tested out of most of it in high school. A lot of that credit (was) rendered useless though because some graduate schools won’t recognize it. As long as (the requirement) doesn’t set me back, I don’t mind it; it’s a good thing.”

Alexei Nowak
Graduate student, comparative literature
“It definitely should not be less than (three quarters), that should be the minimum. … I think that languages are fundamental to being educated ““ to engage with things you don’t know about like foreign languages and cultures.”

Yalun Ma
First-year, mathematics/economics
“I have an international background, so I took AP Chinese in high school and I don’t need to take another language at UCLA. … Even three quarters of a language won’t make you proficient if you want to deeply understand the culture and language of that country.”

Nader Astanboos
Third-year, psychology
“It’s good that it’s required because some people need that extra push to engage in a foreign language, but … by the time people reach college, they’re adults and they should know what they want to get out of an education.”

Jacob Clark
Third-year, English
“I’d say that (three quarters) is enough if (students) don’t plan on majoring in a language. Overall though, (requiring) two years of a language wouldn’t be overdoing it, but I think (the requirements) are fine as is.”