A new study shows significant increases in foreign language study in the United States since 2002, with Arabic leading the increasE.

The survey finds that the study of Arabic has increased 127%, and the number of schools offering Arabic study has doubled since the last nationwide survey in 2002.

Spanish continues to be the most studied language at US higher education institutions, but interest in Asian languages is growing with Chinese up over 50%.

The Modern Language Association, tracking language enrollment for half a century, says the number of enrollments is now at an historic high, and the increase reflects a growing recognition on the part of students and government that languages play a role in an ever smaller worlD.

“First of all, we think that they know that they are going to be better prepared in their careers and in their lives as citizens.And we also know that there is a lot more support for language study today, support in the form of federal dollars, support also in the form of technology，” executive director Rosemary Feal saiD.

The study finds that students continue to study traditionally taught languages such as Spanish, French and Italian and that interest in classical languages such as Greek and Latin remains strong.

Karin Ryding, a professor of Arabic, says she is pleased that the survey found growth in both introductory and advanced level courses in foreign languagE.She says practicality is one of the motivations.

“I don't think this is just a temporary spike in enrollments.I think these figures indicate a real shift of interest on the part of American students.Young people today understand that the world is now truly and inevitably smaller.They are coming to the study of Arabic and other languages with serious professional goals in minD.I include work with international organizations, diplomatic service, global environmental efforts, humanitarian relief efforts, security studies, international communications and media studies，” she saiD.

1.What would be the best title for the passage?

A.Foreign language study in the US at highest level for half a century.

B.A growing recognition that languages play a role in an ever smaller worlD.

C.A lot more support known for language study today.

D.A real shift of interest on foreign language study.

2.Which of the following languages is not traditionally taught in the US?

A.Spanish.B.French.

C.ChinesE.D.Italian.

3.The underlined word “spike” in the last paragraph most probably means________.

A.shiftB.survey

C.motivationD.increase