Reason: 41
The opportunities provided for learners to engage with political issues through the study of languages are such to make foreign language learning a very significant site of political education .
Reference:
Starkey, H. (1999) ‘Foreign language teaching to adults: implicit and explicit political education’ in Oxford Review of Education, Volume 25, Nos 1 & 2, pp. 155-169
Related Keywords:
Related subjects
Reason: 42
A language is an expression of culture and any language course involves learning about the cultures of the peoples who speak the language. The term culture embraces the institutions, including the political institutions associated with the target language and culture. Politics therefore has a logical and justifiable place within a language course
Reference:
Starkey, H. (1999) ‘Foreign language teaching to adults: implicit and explicit political education’ in Oxford Review of Education, Volume 25, Nos 1 & 2, pp. 155-169
Related Keywords:
Culture, Related subjects
Reason: 46
Learners’ understanding of their home political system may be improved through the study of a political system in one of the target cultures.
Reference:
Starkey, H. (1999) ‘Foreign language teaching to adults: implicit and explicit political education’ in Oxford Review of Education, Volume 25, Nos 1 & 2, pp. 155-169
Related Keywords:
Related subjects
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: 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: 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: 236
At A-level [in a foreign language] the syllabus is awash with thorny political issues, including: social issues; the environment; law and order; politics The study of such issues provides opportunities for developing two of the three main aspects of Citizenship as defined in the National Curriculum, namely 'social and moral responsibility' and 'political literacy'
Reference:
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, Personal and social development, Qualifications, Related subjects, Secondary sector
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: 372
Because the study of a modern foreign language involves re-learning how to express oneself, it is well suited to dealing with topics from subjects as varied as history, geography, technology, mathematics and the sciences. Even basic work with numbers, prices and measures reinforces mathematical understanding
Reference:
The Department of Education and Science; Welsh Office (1990) Modern Foreign Languages for Ages 11 to 16 (London: HMSO)
Related Keywords:
Key skills, Multidisciplinarity, Related subjects, Secondary sector
Reason: 380
Languages combine well with virtually any subject. The range of combined degrees involving a language is virtually limitless
Reference:
CILT, the National Centre for Languages, Frequently Asked Questions, (http:\www.cilt.org.uk\faqs\why.htm)
Related Keywords:
HE (Higher Education sector), Qualifications, Related subjects
Reason: 422
Study of languages and related studies will normally include an extended period of residence abroad in a country where the language concerned is spoken, usually in the form of a study or work placement. The period of residence abroad - encourages intercultural awareness and capability, qualities of self-reliance and other transferable graduate skills
Reference:
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2002) Languages and Related Studies: Subject Benchmark Statements (Gloucester: QAA)
Related Keywords:
Autonomy, Experiential learning, HE (Higher Education sector), Intercultural competence, Personal and social development, Related subjects, Residence abroad, Study abroad, Work experience
Reason: 423
Students of languages and related studies typically explore a variety of approaches to cultures, communities and societies by drawing on methodologies shared with other disciplines, notably, but not exclusively, literary, cultural, media and film studies,critical theory, gender studies, history, geography, philosophy, politics, sociology, anthropology, religious studies, visual and performing arts, economics, business studies and law. The range potentially covers the full spectrum of the humanities and social sciences, and extends also to other subjects making use of source materials in the foreign language. Degree programmes will vary as to the relative weight they attach to these different approaches but all will normally ensure that students completing the programme acquire familiarity with methods, knowledge and understanding appropriate to the academic disciplines involved
Reference:
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2002) Languages and Related Studies: Subject Benchmark Statements (Gloucester: QAA)
Related Keywords:
Culture, HE (Higher Education sector), Literature, Multidisciplinarity, Related subjects
Reason: 424
A key form of knowledge and understanding developed amongst students of languages and related studies is the ability to compare the view of the world from their own cultures with the view of the world from the languages and cultures they have acquired. The analytical skills they have developed can be used equally well in the study of their own culture and in particular in comparing, contrasting and mediating between the two (or more) societies with which they are familiar. The lived experience of time spent abroad as part of the curriculum further enhances the sense of self and others as products of particular language communities at particular moments in their respective histories
Reference:
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2002) Languages and Related Studies: Subject Benchmark Statements (Gloucester: QAA)
Related Keywords:
Academic skills, Culture, Experiential learning, HE (Higher Education sector), Identity, Intercultural competence, Related subjects, Residence abroad
Reason: 425
Subject-related skills are developed through the study of both the language and the related thematic areas. These may relate to the study of the countries or regions in which the target language is used, including aspects of the literatures, cultures, linguistic contexts, history, politics, geography, social or economic structures. In certain programmes, these will relate to discipline-specific contexts, such as the business, legal, creative, technological or scientific communities within those countries or regions. Study of these will lead to the development of analytical, critical and specialist skills drawn from the relevant discipline areas. The opportunity to study discipline-specific content in the target language represents a unique contribution to the students' learning experience
Reference:
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2002) Languages and Related Studies: Subject Benchmark Statements (Gloucester: QAA)
Related Keywords:
Academic skills, Critical thinking, Culture, HE (Higher Education sector), Language learning skills, Learning, Literature, Related subjects, Uniqueness
Reason: 426
Through their studies and their contact with the target language and associated cultures and their related studies, all students of languages and related studies will develop sensitivity to and awareness of the similarities and dissimilarities between other cultures and societies and their own. In particular, their competence in the target language means they will have an appreciation of the internal diversity and transcultural connectedness, and an attitude of curiosity and openness towards other cultures. The skills and attributes concerned include: a critical understanding of a culture and practices other than one's own: an appreciation of the uniqueness of the other culture(s): an ability and willingness to engage with other cultures: an ability to appreciate and critically evaluate one's own culture
Reference:
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2002) Languages and Related Studies: Subject Benchmark Statements (Gloucester: QAA)
Related Keywords:
Critical thinking, Culture, HE (Higher Education sector), Intercultural competence, Related subjects, Values
Reason: 427
The multidisciplinary and language-specific nature of programmes in languages and related studies encourages the development of a wide range of key transferable skills including, predominantly cognitive skills: ability to use language creatively and precisely for a range of purposes and audiences; ability to engage with and interpret layers of meaning within texts and other cultural products; ability to contextualise from a variety of perspectives; capacity for critical reflection and judgment in the light of evidence and argument; ability to extract and synthesise key information from written and spoken sources; ability to organise and present ideas within the framework of a structured and reasoned argument; ability to engage in analytical and evaluative thinking
Reference:
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2002) Languages and Related Studies: Subject Benchmark Statements (Gloucester: QAA)
Related Keywords:
Academic skills, Creativity, Critical thinking, HE (Higher Education sector), Key skills, Language learning skills, Related subjects
Reason: 428
The multidisciplinary and language-specific nature of programmes in languages and related studies encourages the development of a wide range of key transferable skills including, predominantly practical skills: the ability to use and present material in the target language and one's own language in written and oral forms in a clear and effective manner; the ability to work autonomously, manifested in self-direction, self-discipline, and time management; accurate and effective note-taking and summarising skills; library and bibliographic research skills; techniques for using target language source materials; analytical and problem-solving skills; the ability to write and think under pressure and meet deadlines; IT skills, such as word processing, email, databases, online environments and the use of the internet as a research and study tool
Reference:
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2002) Languages and Related Studies: Subject Benchmark Statements (Gloucester: QAA)
Related Keywords:
Academic skills, Autonomy, HE (Higher Education sector), IT skills (Information Technology), Key skills, Language learning skills, Practical skills, Problem solving, Related subjects, Technology
Reason: 429
The multidisciplinary and language-specific nature of programmes in languages and related studies encourages the development of a wide range of key transferable skills including, interpersonal skills and personal attributes: communication, presentation, interaction; the ability to work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team; mediating skills, qualities of empathy; self-reliance, initiative, adaptability and flexibility; intercultural competence
Reference:
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2002) Languages and Related Studies: Subject Benchmark Statements (Gloucester: QAA)
Related Keywords:
Communication, Creativity, Employability, HE (Higher Education sector), Intercultural competence, Key skills, Language learning skills, Personal and social development, Related subjects, Teamwork, Values
Reason: 434
Foreign language study is itself unique. While requiring cultural and linguistic knowledge - intellectual mastery of new systems - comparable to other disciplines, the learning outcomes expected of a degree-level language student also include a sophisticated practical command of the foreign language
Reference:
Coleman, J. (2004) 'Modern languages in British universities: past and present' in Arts and Humanities in Higher Education, Volume 3 (2), pp. 147-162
Related Keywords:
Academic skills, Culture, HE (Higher Education sector), Practical skills, Related subjects, Uniqueness
Reason: 455
A language could help with a degree in history
Reference:
Sixth Former
Related Keywords:
Education Studies, Information acquisition, Qualifications, Related subjects
Reason: 463
A language fits well with other subjects, such as History and English
Reference:
Sixth Former
Related Keywords:
Qualifications, Related subjects
Reason: 480
A language is a good contrast to other AS subjects
Reference:
Sixth Former
Related Keywords:
Qualifications, Related subjects
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

700 Reasons to study languages...