SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 356

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
join The Texas Foreign Language Association and the American 
Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in recognizing the 
Year of Languages 2005; and
	WHEREAS, Designating 2005 as The Year of Languages 
provides an opportunity to promote public awareness of the 
academic, social and economic benefits of studying languages and 
cultures from around the world; and
	WHEREAS, With Texas' rich and diverse cultural heritage, 
Texans value the different languages spoken by our citizens, and 
as our state becomes more involved with the economics and 
cultures of the global community, it is more vital than ever to 
promote learning languages other than one's native language; and
	WHEREAS, The study of languages improves a student's 
cognitive skills in other disciplines, such as mathematics and 
the sciences, and results in higher examination scores; 
proficiency in more than one language increases career 
opportunities and provides employers with a workforce with the 
necessary skills for an international marketplace; and
	WHEREAS, Learning other languages fosters personal and 
intellectual growth in people of all ages and builds stronger ties 
among friends, neighbors, colleagues and employees; awareness of 
other languages and cultures increases understanding among peoples 
and strengthens America's security and position in the world; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby commend The Texas Foreign Language 
Association and all involved with the promotion of world language 
studies for their hard work and proclaim 2005 as The Year of 
Languages in Texas; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
The Texas Foreign Language Association.
                                                  Zaffirini, Barrientos, Shapiro




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 14, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate