Steve Leveen

Author of America's Bilingual Century

Steve Leveen is the author of America’s Bilingual Century: How Americans are giving the gift of bilingualism to themselves, their loved ones, and their country (January 2021). Based on a decade of research, plus hundreds of interviews with language teachers and researchers as well as bilinguals, this foundational work puts forth a new and attainable vision for America, where just about everyone speaks English and another language. Steve himself is an emerging bilingual, taking Spanish as his “adopted language” in midlife. America’s Bilingual Century is part of the America the Bilingual Project, an advocacy initiative that Steve began in 2017 to help foster a stronger and healthier nation through bilingualism. The project welcomes not only bilinguals both also those aspiring to be. Steve holds a PhD in Sociology from Cornell and was a fellow of executive leadership programs at both Harvard and Stanford.

Learn Your Language in 30 Years! (And I hope it takes you longer.)

There is nothing wrong with learning a language fast. But we tend not to appreciate the benefits of learning slowly, and over a long period of time. That’s what happens when you progress from learning a language to adopting one--for life. Great classes and smart software can indeed help you learn quickly. But some of your most important learning will happen when you become frustrated and have to work in order to break through and reach your next plateau. In the long run, the how of learning your adopted language is not as important as the where. Think about answering this question: “Where will your adopted language live in your life?” Hug your teachers for their help with the how, but only you can answer the where.

This presentation will be available for on-demand viewing on December 2nd during Global CRED. Register for Global CRED below, it’s quick easy and free!