My staff and I are happy to provide further information about TFLI. We look forward to hearing from you.  

                                                                        Sincerely, 

                                                                        Janice Snow Rodriguez 

                                                                        Executive Director 

The Tennessee Foreign Language Institute is an equal opportunity institution, affording enrollment, employment and services without distinction on the basis of age, color, height, weight, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, or gender. Minorities and handicapped persons are encouraged to participate in programs of and solicit services from TFLI. Any questions or complaints regarding your rights under Title VI should be directed to the Title VI Coordinator or TFLI Executive Director, 615-741-7579 or admin@tfli.org.

Director's Dialogue (creating a diaBlogue with the world...)

July 28

A Language Nerd's Recommendation...

Miranda Runcie, a self-described language nerd and assistant director of our foreign language department, brought this really fascinating article to my attention, and if you fall into that category, take a look -- it is fascinating!  http://edge.org/3rd_culture/boroditsky09/boroditsky09_index.html

 

HOW DOES OUR LANGUAGE SHAPE THE WAY WE THINK? [6.12.09]
By Lera Boroditsky

For a long time, the idea that language might shape thought was considered at best untestable and more often simply wrong. Research in my labs at Stanford University and at MIT has helped reopen this question. We have collected data around the world: from China, Greece, Chile, Indonesia, Russia, and Aboriginal Australia. What we have learned is that people who speak different languages do indeed think differently and that even flukes of grammar can profoundly affect how we see the world. Language is a uniquely human gift, central to our experience of being human. Appreciating its role in constructing our mental lives brings us one step closer to understanding the very nature of humanity.

10:34 AM GMT  |  Read comments(4)

July 16

TFLI - Partner in Innovative Grant with Meharry

There is a write-up on the Office of Minority Health webpage (http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=7921) that describes a multi-year grant in which TFLI is provider of Spanish classes for Meharry medical staff.  It is entitled "Innovative Bilingual Patient Provider Program."  Jorge Luna is the Spanish instructor; Aaron Lovett is teaching the cultural component; and Sidney Clein coordinates TFLI's role.  As Pilar Aguinaga, project manager for the IBPPP grant says, "It's amazing what innovation and action can do."  The YMCA of Middle TN is also providing English language classes for participants in the program.  Pictured below are some of the project administrators at a recent meeting at TFLI.

 

10:51 AM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

June 19

Wisdom from a Starbucks cup...

Printed on a Starbucks cup (Quote by Youssou N'Dour, Musician): 

---

The Way I See It #21

People need to see that,

far from being an obstacle,

the world's divesity of languages, religions and

traditions is a great treasure,

affording us precious

opportunities to recognize

ourselves in others.

 

 

9:21 AM GMT  |  Read comments(1)

May 20

"Never doubt..." Margaret Mead

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. "  So said 
Margaret Mead, noted American anthropologist and writer who studied life among peoples in Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Bali, and Native North America.  I know a lot of groups have used her sentiment to motivate their supporters, and at the risk of sounding trite, I take this moment to echo that thought, especially in relation to the mission of the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute. The staff of TFLI works with this thought in mind; the students and clients of TFLI diligently pursue improved communication -- one class, translation or interpretation at a time.  Our TFLI Fund Board donates it time, exemplifying this idea.  

 

All is appreciated, and, I am confident, it will make a difference.  Thank you all!

11:45 AM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

August 14

TFLI to partner with Glendale Elementary

TFLI si excited about the opportunity to work with Glendale Elementary in Nashville, the Spanish language immersion school, as a Pencil Partner.  Not sure what we will do, but we hope to be of service.

2:10 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)