Challenging the United States to develop, through international education, into “a multi-literate, multi-lingual society,” Secretary of Education Arne Duncan called on Americans to engage their global counterparts and help “secure our common future” at a Council on Foreign Relations-sponsored speech at Georgetown University on May 26:

“Through education and exchange we can become better collaborators and competitors in this global economy.”

Duncan questioned the U.S.’ reliance on “the predominance of English as the language of global business and higher education when looking towards the world.” Doing so will put Americans at a disadvantage, both in terms of competition and collaboration; thus, the United States must do more to strengthen its international exchange and foreign language education capabilities:

“Great U.S. leaders like Senator J. William Fulbright have long seen the benefits of foreign language acquisition and student exchange as the gateway to cross-cultural engagement, and taken steps to promote them. Years ago, he warned, ‘Our linguistic and cultural myopia is losing us friends, business and respect in the world.’

“We must improve language learning and international education at all levels if our nation is to continue to lead in the global economy; to help bring security and stability to the world; and to build stronger and more productive ties with our neighbors.

“We have a strong start in programs like our Title VI and Fulbright Hays programs, as well as other international education programs at the Departments of State and Defense. These programs support foreign language, area and international studies and infrastructure building at U.S. colleges and universities. And they ensure a steady supply of graduates with expertise in less commonly taught languages, world areas, global issues, and transnational trends.”