The importance of studying foreign languages

Language is a treasure that belongs to each of us. Every language is a unique way of perceiving and describing the world, has its intrinsic value and enriches the whole of human experience. Scientists say that there are about 5 thousand languages in the world. Some of them are dead which means they are no longer spoken. Such dead languages as Latin, ancient Greek or ancient Egyptian, which is considered to be the oldest written language, are still taught for scientific purposes.

Languages are socially demanded because the ability to communicate in two or more languages, even at a modest level, offers opportunities for personal mobility, education and access to information. It is not by chance that between 60-65% of the world’s population use at least two languages in their everyday life. Lifelong language learning is a way of responding to economic, social and cultural changes.

Learning languages also helps to develop tolerance and understanding between people from different linguistic and cultural background. The knowledge of several languages expands the boundaries of the familiar language, makes use of one’s mother tongue more vivid and expressive. Some scientists consider that learning a language brings about permanent changes to one’s brain. Anyone who has learned to speak another language may have the sensation of discovering a new personality.

Because of their power, prestige and status, widely used languages are sometimes more effective, particularly in international relationships. We have to admit that 80% of the world’s population speak only 80 languages. We are witnessing the spread of English and the increasing dominance of a few great transnational tongues: Chinese, Spanish, Russian and Hindi.

English is the official language of some 30 states which represent different cultures. Today, when it has become a world language, it requires an effort of imagination to realize that in Shakespeare’s time, for example, only a few million people spoke English. The exporting of English began in the 17^th century, and since then it has become the main language of business, science and technology, sports, modern music, mass entertainment, international tourism, to say nothing of computers.

Among the linguistic reasons that made English a truly global language there are such basic characteristics as simplicity of forms (few inflections), flexibility ( the same word can operate as many different parts of speech), openness of vocabulary. English vocabulary is extremely ingenious in coining new words and terms. That makes it one of the richest languages in the world.

One’s attitudes to learning differ. Some may be enthusiastic and enjoy the challenge, eager to find out about the people and the culture behind the language. Others wouldn’t like to spend time, energy and money on it. Anyway, learning a language takes longer than most people think, and there are no easy routes to mastery. Although teachers and textbooks are essential, the responsibility for learning is the students’.

An outstanding learner may be characterized as:

confident in his ability to learn, motivated and enthusiastic; eager to get by in several languages; unafraid of making mistakes; a good pattern receiver and a good guesser; a language is a source of delight for him/her.

An average sort of learner doesn’t like being in the situations he/she can’t control; is rigid in the way he/she sees things; lacks motivation and systematic study.

So far there is no universal or ideal method of learning languages. Everyone has their own way. Sometimes it is boring to have grammar and vocabulary drills and learn topics or poems by heart. However, reading books, writing tests and dictations, singing songs, playing games, discussing different issues, making up and acting out dialogues, translating from and into English can help you a lot. In addition, watching films and educational programmes serves us good to master the language, to keep it up and to brush it up.

To receive a profound knowledge of a foreign language you might learn it outside school or after classes. For example, a person could use educational computer programmes, have private lessons with a tutor, take part in student exchanges, take an English course outside school (at American home, for example), go to an international summer camp, etc.

Monologues and Dialogues to Topic 2:

1. Speak about foreign languages. Remember to mention:

1. what makes people study foreign languages,

2. what role English plays nowadays;

3. why English has become so popular and efficient,

4. what foreign languages you study and whether you like it.

2. Speak about foreign languages. Remember to mention:

1. the reasons people study foreign languages;

2. why English has become so popular;

3. if English is easy or difficult for you to learn;

4. what kind of language learner you are.

3. Speak about foreign languages. Remember to mention:

1. why learning foreign languages is so important in the modern world,

2. what foreign languages you study and whether you like it;

3. what kind of language learner you are;

4. what you do to improve your knowledge of foreign languages.

4. Speak about foreign languages. Remember to mention:

1. what we need the language for,

2. why studying foreign languages is socially demanded,

3. what international languages you can name;

4. why English has become the most popular foreign language to study.

1. One of you doesn’t like learning foreign languages. Another is keen on studying English. Discuss why people should study languages; the role of English. Tell each other about your experience of learning languages. Give your friend some advice on how to brush up one’s English.

2. One of you wants to leave this school and choose another one because he / she seems to be more interested in Sciences. Discuss what kind of language learners you are, if English is easy or difficult for you to learn. Persuade him/ her to stay here because of the role foreign languages, especially international ones, play nowadays.