- Reason: 15
- Language learning will be seen as a way for the learner to develop his or her personality (for example, greater assurance or self-confidence, greater willingness to speak in a group) or to develop his or her knowledge of how to learn (greater openness to what is new, awareness of otherness, curiosity about the unknown)
- Reference:
- Council of Europe (2001) Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Intercultural competence, Knowledge, Learning, Personal and social development
- Reason: 48
- Language is a means of expressing thought and the study of a foreign language reveals the anatomy of thought. Each language has its own modes of expression, and the contrast and comparison of different modes of expression leads to a more accurate sense of logical processes and a closer observation of the finer shades of meaning
- Reference:
- Leathes Report (1918) cited in Byram, M. (1997) "Cultural awareness" as vocabulary learning’ in the Language Learning Journal, No. 16, pp. 51-57
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge, Language awareness, Linguistics
- 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: 95
- In the context of the Lisbon strategy of economic, social and environmental renewal launched in March 2000, the European Union is developing a society based upon knowledge as a key element in moving towards its objective of becoming the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world by the end of the decade. Learning other languages contributes to this goal by improving cognitive skills and strengthening learners’ mother tongue skills, including reading and writing
- Reference:
- Commission of the European Communities (2003) Promoting Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity: An Action Plan 2004-2006
- Related Keywords:
- Academic skills, Economic, social and political dimension, English Mother Tongue, European Union (EU), Knowledge, Language learning skills
- Reason: 125
- Through language learning you'll be connected with other cultures and have knowledge of other countries' history, geography, politics etc
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Culture, Knowledge, Related subjects
- Reason: 133
- Practical language skills and knowledge are crucial to participation in democratic practices
- Reference:
- Byram, M. (2003) ‘Teaching languages for democratic citizenship in Europe and beyond’ in Brown, K., Brown, M. (eds) Reflections on Citizenship in a Multilingual World (London: CILT), pp15-24
- Related Keywords:
- Democracy, Equality (equal opportunities), Knowledge, Language learning skills, Practical skills
- Reason: 182
- As each language dies, a precious source of data for philosophers, scientists, anthropologists, folklorists, historians, psychologists, linguists, writers is lost
- Reference:
- Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge, Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages, Related subjects, Sustainability
- Reason: 183
- Each language manifests a fresh coming-together of sounds, grammar and vocabulary to form a system of communication, which while demonstrating certain universal principles of organisation and structure, is an unprecedented event and a unique encapsulation of a world view
- Reference:
- Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Diversity, Knowledge, Linguistics, Uniqueness
- Reason: 184
- The more languages we study, the fuller our picture of the human linguistic options will be. Languages which are off the beaten track are especially important, as their isolation means they may have developed features which are not found in other languages
- Reference:
- Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Diversity, Knowledge, Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages, Linguistics, Uniqueness
- Reason: 186
- Several of the grammatical features found in indigenous languages present us with ways of talking about the world that have no counterpart in the well-known Western languages
- Reference:
- Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Diversity, Knowledge, Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages, Linguistics, Uniqueness
- Reason: 187
- With languages continuing to die unstudied, we find our linguistic vision steadily narrowing
- Reference:
- Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge
- Reason: 227
- Europe's diversity is nowhere clearer than in its languages. But if it is to benefit from that diversity, its citizens have to be able to communicate with each other. Knowledge of languages is part of the basic skills that the Europe of the knowledge society requires; everyone should, as a general rule, be able to speak two foreign languages
- Reference:
- Council of the European Union (2002) Detailed work programme on the follow-up of the objectives of education and training systems in Europe (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2002/c_142/c_14220020614en00010022.pdf)
- Related Keywords:
- Communication, Diversity, European Union (EU), Key skills, Knowledge
- Reason: 274
- In a knowledge economy which relies heavily on communication, high levels of linguistic skill are essential.
- Reference:
- Wicksteed, K. (2004) 'Languages and the Baccalaureate' in Languages, Mathematics and the Baccalaureate (London: The Nuffield Foundation), pp. 12-17
- Related Keywords:
- Communication, Economic, social and political dimension, Knowledge
- Reason: 313
- Arguments which support the need for biological diversity also apply to language... The whole concept of the ecosystem is based on the insight that living entities exist through a network of interrelationships. Diversity has a central place in evolutionary thought... In the language of ecology, the strongest ecosystems are those which are the most diverse... The point has often been made that our success in colonizing the planet has been due to our ability to develop diverse cultures which suit all kinds of environments. The need to maintain linguistic diversity stands squarely on the shoulders of such arguments. If diversity is a prerequisite for successful humanity, then the preservation of linguistic diversity is essential, for language lies at the heart of what it means to be human. If the development of multiple cultures is so important, then the role of languages becomes critical, for cultures are chiefly transmitted through spoken and written languages. Accordingly, when language transmission breaks down, through language death, there is a serious loss of inherited knowledge
- Reference:
- Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Culture, Diversity, Knowledge, Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages, Networking, Sustainability, Values
- Reason: 314
- Any reduction of language diversity diminishes the adaptational strength of our species because it lowers the pool of knowledge from which we can draw
- Reference:
- Bernard (1992: 82) cited in Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Diversity, Knowledge, Sustainability
- Reason: 322
- Humanity gains so much from each expression of itself in a language
- Reference:
- Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge, Sustainability, Values
- Reason: 323
- It is language that unifies everything, linking environmental practice with cultural knowledge, and transmitting everything synchronically among the members of a community, as well as diachronically between generations
- Reference:
- Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Culture, Historical dimension, Knowledge, Social cohesion, Sustainability
- Reason: 324
- The potential for discovery through language is still considerable
- Reference:
- Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge, Learning
- Reason: 325
- In principle, each language provides a new slant on how the human mind works and how it expresses itself in linguistic categories
- Reference:
- Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Diversity, Knowledge, Linguistics, Uniqueness
- Reason: 326
- The sum of human wisdom is not contained in any one language, and no single language is capable of expressing all forms and degrees of human comprehension
- Reference:
- Pound, E. (1960) cited in Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Diversity, Knowledge, Uniqueness
- Reason: 327
- One way of increasing our stock of human wisdom is to learn more languages and to learn more about languages. And one way of ensuring that this sum of human wisdom is made available - if not for ourselves, then for the benefit of future generations - is to do as much as we can to preserve them now, at a time when they seem to be in most danger
- Reference:
- Crystal, D. (2000) Language Death (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
- Related Keywords:
- Diversity, Knowledge, Learning, Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages
- 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: 371
- The first hand experience of another language brings a new perspective to pupils' perception of language, enabling them to make comparisons which sharpen their understanding of the concepts in both languages. Even in the early stages of learning, when pupils' linguistic resources are limited, the study of a modern language contributes new elements to their developing knowledge of the world and of other countries' cultures. It can offer valuable opportunities for reinforcing knowledge by enabling them to talk and write in the foreign language, albeit in simplified form, about what they have learnt in other subjects. It also develops an awareness in pupils of the value of knowing another language, and of the interpretative skills which it gives them
- Reference:
- The Department of Education and Science; Welsh Office (1990) Modern Foreign Languages for Ages 11 to 16 (London: HMSO)
- Related Keywords:
- Culture, Education Studies, English Mother Tongue, Knowledge, Language awareness, Language learning skills, Related subjects, Secondary sector
- Reason: 376
- The study of any modern foreign language is unique because of the existence of people who speak it as their mother tongue. Learners have opportunities through contacts with native speakers and especially through visits and exchanges to practise and extend their knowledge in a way which few other subjects can offer
- Reference:
- The Department of Education and Science; Welsh Office (1990) Modern Foreign Languages for Ages 11 to 16 (London: HMSO)
- Related Keywords:
- Experiential learning, Knowledge, Residence abroad, Secondary sector, Study abroad, Uniqueness
- 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: 393
- Languages, particularly when reinforced through ICT, can help young people feel at ease with other cultures and with the knowledge economy, and to make their mark both here and abroad as citizens of a diverse, multilingual, global society
- 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:
- Globalisation, Intercultural competence, IT skills (Information Technology), Knowledge, Mobility
- Reason: 414
- Plurilinguals as a group think in more flexible and divergent ways than monolinguals as a group: they innovate more, create more new knowledge and dreams
- Reference:
- Skutnabb-Kangas, T. (2002) Why should linguistic diversity be maintained and supported in Europe? Some arguments (Strasbourg: Council of Europe)
- Related Keywords:
- Creativity, Knowledge, Multilingualism
- Reason: 436
- The study of language can be more fundamental epistemologically than the study of any other discipline, since different languages do indeed construct reality in somewhat different ways... Language can and does play an important role in how we perceive and understand reality, and recognition of this role of human language can be an important outcome of the study of any language
- Reference:
- Reagan, T. (2004) 'Don't know much about the French I took' in Arts and Humanities in Higher Education, Volume 3 (2), pp. 229-239
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge, Language awareness
- Reason: 440
- In the knowledge society of the 21st century, language competence and intercultural understanding are not optional extras, they are an essential part of being a citizen. For too long we have lagged behind in our capability to contribute fully as multilingual and culturally aware citizens.
- Reference:
- DfES (2002) Languages for All: Languages for Life: A Strategy for England (London: DfES)
- Related Keywords:
- Citizenship, Intercultural competence, Knowledge, Multilingualism, UK
- Reason: 452
- A language broadens your knowledge
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge
- Reason: 465
- A language gives you a wider knowledge of literature from other countries - this will help with any literary degree
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Education Studies, Knowledge, Literature
- Reason: 518
- If you learn a language, you can learn about other ways of life
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge, Learning
- Reason: 565
- Language learning widens your knowledge of the world
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge
- Reason: 569
- Languages are an inspiration and it's very interesting to learn about countries other than your own
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge, Learning, Personal satisfaction
- Reason: 586
- Languages give you a more open mind and help you to be less ignorant when travelling abroad
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge, Mobility, Values
- Reason: 588
- Languages give you better knowledge of different cultures
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Culture, Knowledge
- Reason: 589
- Languages give you knowledge of other countries
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge
- 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: 660
- It's important to know other languages
- Reference:
- language undergraduate
- Related Keywords:
- Knowledge
- Reason: 727
- Languages are more than skills; they are the medium through which communities of people engage with, make sense of and shape the world
- Reference:
- Phipps, A., Gonzalez, M. (2004) Modern Languages Learning and Teaching in an Intercultural Field (London: Sage Publications)
- Related Keywords:
- Communication, Knowledge
700 Reasons to study languages...
