Chloé Waché
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C) — Winthrop University is working to make learning a language more engaging than simply reading textbooks or doing grammar exercises.

Thanks to the Language Learning Center, located in 307 Kinard, and the help of the student assistants who work there, learning French and Spanish has become easier and more enjoyable for many students.

The center, often called the language lab, has one clear mission: to make language learning more personal, more interactive, and above all, more fun.

“We don’t just focus on grammar or theory, we learn by talking about music, movies and everyday life. It helps students feel more comfortable and get used to informal conversations,” said Brianna Johnson, a Spanish assistant at the lab.

Every weekday, the lab opens its doors to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers.

Language professors say this kind of learning can make a difference by creating a friendly and relaxed environment that can help students build confidence and improve their skills, even while making mistakes.

“When students are relaxed, they learn better. Thanks to the assistants, learning becomes more concrete. The goal is real communication, not perfection,” said Narada Diaz, a professor of world languages.

The lab has also become a space for cultural exchange, as students can share their travel experiences, cultures and daily habits.

“Coming here really helped me gain confidence. I used to be too shy to speak, but now I can have a real conversation, even with native speakers,” said Justin Bouknight, a Winthrop student.

For many students, the center is a place where language comes to life, where they can learn to speak without stress and discover a new way of seeing the world.

Thus, the language lab has become an essential resource for anyone looking to improve their language skills and learn more about international cultures.

* Editor’s note: Chloé Waché is an international student from France. This story was originally filed during the fall 2025 semester.