Off-campus Language Studies: Exploring Second Language Acquisition Beyond University Settings
By Social Sciences Correspondent, Rafi Lehmann
Category: Research Abroad, Preparing for Academic Work in Foreign Languages
As a student at Princeton University with a keen interest in Eastern European Jewish history, I found myself in a predicament: Yiddish, a crucial language for my research, is not offered on campus. However, my journey led me to discover a wealth of opportunities that bridged the gap between my academic pursuits and language learning.
Firstly, I enrolled in external intensive and online Yiddish courses. Organizations like the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research have expanded their offerings significantly, providing online classes and summer intensives accessible remotely. Moreover, immersive retreats such as Yidish-vokh offer experiential language learning for all levels.
Secondly, I utilised Princeton’s Judaic Studies library resources and research guides. The Judaic Studies program boasts extensive material collections on Jewish history in multiple languages, including Yiddish, and comprehensive research guides covering early modern and modern Jewish studies. These guides proved invaluable in identifying archival materials and guiding my research, even without on-campus language instruction.
Thirdly, I engaged in self-study with digital and printed materials. Online resources, dictionaries, and academic texts supported my independent development of Yiddish reading skills. Given the growing academic interest in Yiddish studies and the increasing availability of online resources, motivated students can gain proficiency outside conventional classroom settings.
My experience would not have been complete without the support I received in securing a tutor. I was fortunate to find funding from three departments for a weekly Skype tutor for a semester. Princeton faculty were instrumental in helping me locate resources that weren't readily available.
It's worth noting that students can study a language at another university during the semester. In my case, I chose to learn Yiddish, a German-Hebrew-Slavic hybrid language, not spoken in the chosen country.
My journey taught me that at Princeton, where there's a will, there's a way. I learned that language barriers should not hinder academic research. With determination and the right resources, students can effectively learn a language and conduct primary source research, even if it's not offered on campus.
For more information about designing a reading course for a specific language, visit the Reading Courses website. Professor Jamie Rankin of the German department can provide more information about taking a language at another university. Furthermore, funding opportunities for off-campus tutors can be found on the SAFE's website, and summer immersion programs exist for many languages.
In conclusion, while Princeton currently does not offer Yiddish language classes, students can combine the university’s outstanding Judaic research libraries with a wealth of external online courses, summer intensives, and immersive retreats to learn Yiddish and conduct primary source research effectively in Eastern European Jewish history.
[1] YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. (n.d.). Online Courses. Retrieved from https://yivo.org/learn/online-courses/
[2] Yidish-vokh. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://yidish-vokh.org/
[3] Princeton University Library. (2021). Judaica Collection. Retrieved from https://library.princeton.edu/depts/judaica/
[4] Princeton University. (n.d.). Judaic Studies Program. Retrieved from https://www.princeton.edu/~judaic/
[5] Princeton University Library. (2021). Research Guides. Retrieved from https://library.princeton.edu/research-guides/
- Guided by the intention of independently working on a junior paper focusing on Eastern European Jewish history, I discovered that combining Princeton University's extensive Judaic research resources with external online courses and summer intensives offered by organizations like the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research can foster personal growth and learning, resulting in effective self-development in a lesser-taught language like Yiddish.
- With determination to overcome language barriers for the purpose of academic research, I found that securing an off-campus tutor, utilizing funding opportunities, and participating in summer immersion programs can significantly contribute to one's education-and-self-development, ultimately enhancing personal-growth and opening doors to learning in foreign languages.
