Fluency Foundation

by Brittney Johnson

The idea for the Fluency Foundation came from a brainstorming activity in which we were asked to pick an alternate reality. I brought up the idea of an alternate reality where we as humans suddenly lose our ability to speak, learn, or understand more than one language—leaving us with only our native tongue. The implications would be catastrophic to society as we know it.

Through studying abroad and being a bilingual American, I have been able to see the importance of learning other languages my whole life. Secondary language learning is on a decline in American schools, and there is so much room for improvement in learning about globalization and cultural diversity from a young age. The concept for the Fluency Foundation is one that takes form in a non-profit organization that is dedicated to shedding light on the importance of multilingualism, and encouraging young Americans that the power of learning another language is in their hands.