Reason: 1
Companies which buy and sell food products all over the world need people with the ability to speak other languages and a knowledge and understanding of other lifestyles
Reference:
King, A., Thomas, G. (1999) The Guide to Languages and Careers (London: CILT)
Related Keywords:
Careers, Employability, Globalisation, Language for specific purposes, Understanding
Reason: 6
Communication barriers lead to missed business opportunities..but it is important to note that cultural competence developed through foreign language learning is just as vital for a better understanding and cooperation with other countries
Reference:
Plasberg, U. (1999) ‘Building bridges to Europe: languages for students of other disciplines’ in the Language Learning Journal, No. 20, pp. 51-58
Related Keywords:
Business, Communication, Intercultural competence, International relations, Understanding
Reason: 80
In modern languages and classical studies the study of other languages and cultures contributes to pupils’ understanding and values, beliefs and attitudes by offering them insights into and points of comparison with, the ways in which other peoples, whether today or in the past, have interpreted the world around them
Reference:
OFSTED (1994: 18) cited in Smith, D. (2002) ‘Spiritual development in the language classroom: interpreting the National Curriculum’ in the Language Learning Journal, No. 26, pp. 36-42
Related Keywords:
Culture, Related subjects, Secondary sector, Understanding, Values
Reason: 81
It seems reasonable to expect that exposure to another culture through the medium of its language could lead to various changes in understanding, values, beliefs, attitudes and hence contribute to spiritual development
Reference:
Smith, D. (2002) ‘Spiritual development in the language classroom: interpreting the National Curriculum’ in the Language Learning Journal, No. 26, pp. 36-42
Related Keywords:
Culture, Personal and social development, Understanding, Values
Reason: 91
Of all the subjects in the National Curriculum, the study of a foreign language most directly addresses the existence of other cultures, opening up areas of knowledge and understanding which extend far beyond the way in which the language is spoken and written
Reference:
The Department of Education and Science; Welsh Office (1990) Modern Foreign Languages for Ages 11 to 16 (London: HMSO)
Related Keywords:
Culture, Knowledge, Secondary sector, Understanding
Reason: 93
Building a common home in which to live, work and trade together means acquiring the skills to communicate with one another effectively and to understand one another better. Learning and speaking other languages encourages us to become more open to others, their cultures and outlooks
Reference:
Commission of the European Communities (2003) Promoting Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity: An Action Plan 2004-2006
Related Keywords:
Communication, European Union (EU), Intercultural competence, Understanding, Values
Reason: 127
Languages are also the key to knowing other people. Proficiency in languages helps to build up the feeling of being European with all its cultural wealth and diversity and of understanding between the citizens of Europe
Reference:
European Commission (1995: 67) cited in Byram, M. (2002) 'Foreign language education as political and moral education - an essay' in the Language Learning Journal, No. 26, pp. 43-47
Related Keywords:
European Union (EU), Multilingualism, Networking, Understanding
Reason: 132
Citizenship education calls for the teaching of values, understanding and skills as well as knowledge about life in other communities to help pupils develop a respect for cultural diversity. Language teachers have particular experiences to draw on (many will have spent a year abroad) which give them a vital role to play in the teaching of citizenship in schools. Language teachers have much more personal experiences of the issues that lie at the heart of citizenship education
Reference:
Brown, K., Brown, M. (2003) ‘Introduction - opening the debate on citizenship and modern foreign languages in Brown, K., Brown, M. (eds) Reflections on Citizenship in a Multilingual World (London: CILT), pp. 1-14
Related Keywords:
Citizenship, Diversity, Secondary sector, Teaching, Understanding, Values
Reason: 176
In international converse through the medium of English, native speakers tend to talk too much and listen too little, so that quite frequently an international free discussion turns into one among the native-speaking English participants, in which little account is taken of the demands made on the comprehension skills of the non-natives present. Monolinguals are tempted to confuse the skill with which an argument is formulated and the fluency with which it is expressed with the force and validity of the case itself, and are painfully surprised when, having had by far the best of the debate, they are outvoted or when they have contracts left unsigned because clients have felt unable to express fully their questions, doubts, and hesitations, which therefore remain unresolved
Reference:
Trim, J. (1999) ‘Language education policies for the twenty-first century’ in Tosi, A., Leung, C. (eds) Rethinking Language Education: From a Monolingual to a Multilingual Perspective (London: CILT)
Related Keywords:
Communication, Global English, Understanding
Reason: 190
When you learn another language, you start to have access to another culture, to another way of thinking, for languages articulate reality in different ways. If you never learn another language, you never know how vast the gap can be between peoples, so you never see the need to start bridging the gap. What September 11 showed the world was the terrifying complacency of native English speakers who assumed that everyone thought as they did. It also showed how skilfully international terrorist networkers can exploit their knowledge of languages and cultures to blend invisibly around the world
Reference:
Bassnet, S. (2002) 'A failure to communicate' in the Education Guardian, Tuesday March 12, 2002 (http://education.guardian.co.uk/egweekly/story/0,,665508,00.html)
Related Keywords:
Communication, Global English, Intercultural competence, International relations, National security, Understanding
Reason: 232
Language learning is a key component of education for democratic citizenship; a participative process, which inter alia: equips mean and women to play an active part in public life and to shape in a responsible way their own destiny and that of their society; aims to instil a culture of human rights; prepares people to live in a multicultural society and to deal with difference knowledgeably, sensibly, tolerantly and morally; strengthens social cohesion, mutual understanding and solidarity
Reference:
Council of Europe (1999) cited in Starkey, H. (2002) 'Citizenship, human rights and intercultural education' in Swarbrick, A. (ed) Teaching Modern Foreign Languages in Secondary Schools (London: Routledge Falmer, The Open University), pp. 95-111
Related Keywords:
Citizenship, Democracy, Diversity, European Union (EU), Inclusion, Social cohesion, Understanding, Values
Reason: 241
Pupils need to confront other cultures if they are to be broadly educated and to understand the arrogance of the monolingual position
Reference:
Swarbrick, A. (2002) 'Positioning modern foreign language teaching in schools: issues and debates' in Swarbrick, A. (ed) Teaching Modern Foreign Languages in Secondary Schools (London: Routledge Falmer, The Open University), pp. 3-22
Related Keywords:
Culture, Education Studies, Multilingualism, Secondary sector, Understanding, Values
Reason: 245
Awareness and proficiency in MFL among a growing number of our citizens can help prevent the UK from being isolated in understanding from the rest of the world
Reference:
Nott, D. (2003) 'National language strategies post-Nuffield' in Head, D., Jones, E., Kelly, M., Tinsley, T. (eds) Setting the Agenda for Languages in Higher Education (London: CILT), pp. 119-130
Related Keywords:
International relations, UK, Understanding
Reason: 302
The use of a single language by a community is no guarantee of social harmony or mutual understanding, as has been repeatedly seen in world history
Reference:
Crystal, D. (1997) English as a Global Language (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
Related Keywords:
Multilingualism, Social cohesion, Understanding, Values
Reason: 341
The essential ingredient in securing a contract can be developing an understanding with the client, which is more easily done with even a basic knowledge of the client’s language and an appreciation of the cultural framework
Reference:
The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
Related Keywords:
Business, Communication, Intercultural competence, Understanding
Reason: 351
Language competence implies other transferable skills- Employers value language competence as an indicator of wider communication skills: language learning promotes understanding of the need to listen carefully, to engage with others and to empathise with people in a wide range of working and social contexts
Reference:
The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
Related Keywords:
Communication, Employability, Intercultural competence, Key skills, Language learning skills, Understanding, Values
Reason: 367
In the knowledge society of the 21st century multilingualism is better. It is better for countries and states whose shared ambitions are for peace, growth and prosperity. It is better for business whose purpose is increased trade, greater competitiveness and greater employability. It is better for communities in their desire for social inclusion, mutual tolerance and an appreciation of their past and present heritages. It is better for individuals - for their sense of self and their openness to the world, for opportunities for economic and personal growth. At this time of great fear and dangers in the world, it is better for humanity in its vital quest for peace, stability and enrichment. Only through multilingualism can we really understand and appreciate the stranger
Reference:
King, L., Johnstone, R. (2001) An agenda for languages (produced by CILT for the Birmingham Conference of October 2001, http://www.eyl2001.org.uk/agenda.pdf)
Related Keywords:
Business, Economic, social and political dimension, Employability, Historical dimension, Identity, Inclusion, International relations, Knowledge, Multilingualism, National security, Social cohesion, Understanding, Values
Reason: 370
The use of a foreign language to communicate with other people, whether fellow-learners or native speakers, fosters the spirit of co-operation and provides practical proof of the value of learning a foreign language. This lays the basis for understanding the potential of linguistic competence in adult work and leisure: it helps learners to appreciate that they are citizens not only of the United Kingdom but also of Europe and the rest of the world. It encourages them to enter into and respect the attitudes and customs not only of other countries but also of the different communities making up their own society. With developing linguistic competence comes an enhanced awareness and heightened awareness of another culture, which enables pupils to gain access to and participate in that culture
Reference:
The Department of Education and Science; Welsh Office (1990) Modern Foreign Languages for Ages 11 to 16 (London: HMSO)
Related Keywords:
Citizenship, Communication, Culture, Intercultural competence, Secondary sector, Teamwork, Understanding, Values
Reason: 386
We survive by international partnerships and alliances. We need to be able to understand where others are coming from , what makes them tick - first-hand, in their own words, not translated by them into English for our benefit
Reference:
Sir Trevor McDonald (record of the symposium, 'Why languages matter', held on 6 March 2002 (The English-Speaking Union, The Nuffield Foundation)
Related Keywords:
Global English, International relations, Translating, UK, Understanding
Reason: 391
All young people should have the knowledge and values that will enable them to function responsibly as citizens, not only of the UK but of Europe and the world. There is little prospect of promoting better international understanding and greater tolerance of otherness if we persist in giving young people the message that they need make no effort to meet others half way
Reference:
Response from the Steering Group of the Nuffield Languages Programme to the consultation document 14-19: extending opportunities, raising standards, 20 May 2002
Related Keywords:
Citizenship, International relations, Knowledge, Understanding, Values
Reason: 396
Education in languages at school has an essential role to play in preparing all students for citizenship of the wider society. If it helps them become sensitive to the languages and cultures of others and develops in them sufficient confidence and competence to be able to use their languages, however modestly, in their interactions with other citizens, then they are more likely to understand others and to be respected by them. In this way the wider society becomes more open, democratic and inclusive
Reference:
Scottish Executive, Ministerial Action Group on Languages (2000) Citizens of a Multilingual World: Key Issues (www.scotland.gov.uk-library3-education-mwki-07.asp)
Related Keywords:
Citizenship, Communication, Democracy, Inclusion, Intercultural competence, Personal and social development, Secondary sector, Understanding, Values
Reason: 399
Learning through the study of a foreign language about the culture of other countries enhances learners' understanding not only of those cultures but also of their own
Reference:
The Department of Education and Science; Welsh Office (1990) Modern Foreign Languages for Ages 11 to 16 (London: HMSO)
Related Keywords:
Culture, Understanding
Reason: 410
As students progress through their education at school, a modern language will be of benefit to their personal and educational development in a variety of ways. It will allow them to establish contact with people of their own age who speak other languages and to access information from other cultures. It will help them thereby to understand that experience of the world through another language can be just as 'real' and 'valid' as experience of the world through English. It will offer them the positive experience of developing an entirely new mode of understanding and expression and an opportunity to acquire an explicit understanding of what the components of language are and how these may be manipulated for different purposes. It will allow them to derive cognitive benefits through problem-solving, memorisation, recall, making connections, attending to detail and pragmatic strategies. All of these are basic transferable skills that can be activated or enhanced through a modern language. Learning a modern language will help students to develop strategies for learning and using language that will assist them not only with their current modern language but with others also that they may subsequently learn. It will encourage them to appreciate and participate in cultural and linguistic diversity
Reference:
Scottish Executive, Ministerial Action Group on Languages (2000) Citizens of a Multilingual World: Key Issues (www.scotland.gov.uk-library3-education-mwki-07.asp)
Related Keywords:
Culture, Diversity, Intercultural competence, Key skills, Language awareness, Learning strategies, Networking, Personal and social development, Problem solving, Secondary sector, Understanding
Reason: 417
11th September and its aftermath have taught us that other languages and cultures are not just 'out there' in faraway places. They are also 'in here', in every town and village, in our schools and shops, as well as on our television and radio
Reference:
Kelly, M. (2002) ‘Excusez-moi, êtes-vous un terroriste?’ in the Times Higher Educational Supplement, March 29 2002, pp. 22-23
Related Keywords:
Culture, National security, Understanding
Reason: 418
One of the cultural shocks of September 11 is, overwhelmingly that English is simply not enough. We cannot understand the world in English, much less search out intelligence, build ever larger coalitions of friends, and heal some of the long-standing wounds of the past. We need to be aware as never before of foreign languages and of the ways in which languages identify and represent their cultures
Reference:
Footitt, H. (2001) 'Lost for words' in the Guardian, Tuesday October 23 2001
Related Keywords:
Culture, Global English, Identity, International relations, National security, Understanding
Reason: 477
A language helps you to understand certain situations which may arise while you are abroad
Reference:
Sixth Former
Related Keywords:
Mobility, Understanding
Reason: 485
A language is a very rewarding challenge that helps you to better understand your own language and the cultures of other countries
Reference:
Sixth Former
Related Keywords:
Culture, Language awareness, Personal satisfaction, Understanding
Reason: 492
A language shows a wider understanding and an open mind
Reference:
Sixth Former
Related Keywords:
Understanding, Values
Reason: 496
A language will enable you to understand and communicate with non-English speaking cultures
Reference:
Sixth Former
Related Keywords:
Communication, Intercultural competence, Understanding
Reason: 532
If you want to work abroad, a language will help you to understand your surroundings
Reference:
Sixth Former
Related Keywords:
Employability, Mobility, Understanding
Reason: 543
It's important that everyone should learn a language at some point and make an effort to understand other cultures
Reference:
Sixth Former
Related Keywords:
Culture, Understanding
Reason: 552
Language learning helps you to reach an understanding with people whose first language is not English
Reference:
Sixth Former
Related Keywords:
Understanding, Values
Reason: 561
Language learning promotes tolerance and understanding
Reference:
Sixth Former
Related Keywords:
Understanding, Values
Reason: 621
If you do a degree in a language, you get to study the history and politics of the country as well as the language and it all gives you a good background and helps you to understand the nature of the country a lot better
Reference:
language undergraduate
Related Keywords:
HE (Higher Education sector), Knowledge, Multidisciplinarity, Related subjects, Understanding
Reason: 625
If you go to do a job with someone who speaks another language and they have to speak in English because you can't understand their language and culture, then you would be at a disadvantage. You wouldn't know the customs and the codes you are supposed to go through. Whereas if you know the language and culture, you can communicate with them better and it should be beneficial for both sides
Reference:
language undergraduate
Related Keywords:
Communication, Employability, Equality (equal opportunities), Intercultural competence, Understanding
Reason: 629
Language learning allows you to sympathise with other people when they may be learning English. You know when you talk to them you can understand how when they're trying to say something, they may not be as direct as an English person
Reference:
language undergraduate
Related Keywords:
Understanding, Values
Reason: 637
One of the important things about a language degree is being able to relate to people from a variety of backgrounds. We live in a multicultural society and if you can't relate to people from different backgrounds then it might be more difficult to convince them and to sell things to them
Reference:
language undergraduate
Related Keywords:
Business, HE (Higher Education sector), Networking, Social cohesion, UK, Understanding
Reason: 644
Language learning promotes cultural heterogeneity. If people can learn, understand and have an affinity with another language, cultural harmony can only be increased by that
Reference:
language undergraduate
Related Keywords:
Intercultural competence, Social cohesion, Understanding, Values
Reason: 673
Learning another language gives you a wider understanding of world affairs
Reference:
language undergraduate
Related Keywords:
Economic, social and political dimension, Understanding
Reason: 695
People learning languages are not selfish and they acquire an extensive understanding of the ‘other’
Reference:
language undergraduate
Related Keywords:
Intercultural competence, Understanding, Values
Reason: 730
Languages enable us to transcend immediate concerns and find ways of mutual being and mutual comprehension for practical action
Reference:
Phipps, A., Gonzalez, M. (2004) Modern Languages Learning and Teaching in an Intercultural Field (London: Sage Publications)
Related Keywords:
Practical skills, Understanding

700 Reasons to study languages...