The Power of Language—Dec. 3, 2025
Language shapes community—it builds inclusion, fosters belonging, and creates a sense of safety. Around the world, there are more than 7,000 living languages. While English is the most widely spoken overall, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish lead in native speakers1. Language barriers can quickly become community barriers. Learning a new language—or helping someone else learn your language—opens doors to cultural understanding, breaks down communication gaps, and promotes equity and connection. Bilingualism has career advantages, as a recent survey of U.S. employers by ACTFL reported that 9 of 10 employers rely on employees with language skills other than English2.
At CU Boulder, you have many opportunities to learn another language or share your own skills to help others grow. Explore these ways to gain or share language knowledge—without enrolling in a formal course:
Conversation Tables through the Anderson Language and Technology Center (ALTEC)
SWAP at CU Boulder (students volunteer to help a CU Employee learn English)
Spanish language lunch table at SEEC through INSTAAR