LEWISTON – Area residents are invited to learn more about other cultures and their languages through specially designed classes at Lewiston Adult Education this fall.

A limited number of spaces remain in the following courses:

“American Sign Language” will introduce the elements of basic signed English and American sign language. As students learn the language of signing, they will also learn about the deaf culture from instructor Erik Magnussen, a member of the deaf community. Class begins Tuesday, Sept. 5, for 10 weeks.

“Conversational French” will designed for people with little or no knowledge of the language. Classes will focus on talking about families, food, travel and is perfect for tourists or anyone with French-speaking friends. The classes will be taught by Claire Gamache and will begin Tuesday, Sept. 12, for 10 weeks.

A one-night class focusing on French language is part of a Franco-American Experience Series co-sponsored by the Franco-American Heritage Center. The class will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 25. The series begins Wednesday, Sept 27. Contact Lewiston Adult Education or the Heritage Center for a complete listing.

“Spanish for Travelers” will help students express their needs and interests by learning practical words and phrases. Travelers will feel more confident and independent after taking the three-week class with instructor, Irving Valiente. The class will begins Wednesday, Sept. 13.

“Conversational Spanish for Beginners” will offer a more in-depth look at the Spanish language. Students will learn the basics of everyday conversation through guided discussions with Irving Valiente, instructor. It will begin Wednesday, Oct. 4, for 10 weeks.

“Italian for Travelers” will focus on practical Italian phrases that might be needed by tourists and give people a taste of the Italian culture, customs and routines. Bernard Fortier will lead the class for three weeks, beginning Monday. Sept 11.

“Conversational Somali for Health Care Providers” will help participants gain essential intake information and understand the nature of a medical problem from patients in the absence of an interpreter. Garaad Dees, experience interpreter, will teach the class, which will begin on Monday Oct. 16, for three weeks.

Complete information, including times and fees and how to sign up, can be found in the new program brochure, by calling the Lewiston Adult Education office, located in Lewiston High School, 795-4141, or on-line at www.lewistonadulted.org.