The Benefits of Language Study
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by: Bob
"Teachers of mathematics and sciences rarely have to justify their subjects' value to students. Modern languages, on the other hand, are seen in some parts of the world as having limited value and benefits. This attitude is most prominent in English-speaking countries. Luckily, there are language professionals across Europe struggling to promote the many benefits of their field.
Indirect Benefits
No one can deny that English is the de facto common language. Learning English will only become more useful in the twenty-first century, as the world continues to shrink as a result of globalisation and advances in the travel industry. However, the idea that everyone speaks English so why bother learning another language, prevalent in some English-speaking countries, threatens modern languages' place on the primary school curriculum.
Studying a language not only gives you access to a whole new demographic (since we are not yet in a world where everyone speaks English), it can also be more generally advantageous to your studies - language study promotes cognitive flexibility as well as enhanced literacy in English (or whichever is the first language). Languages are also required for many jobs, including many in trade, which means that they are an extremely practical choice. On these grounds alone, a case could be made for their inclusion on the general curriculum.
In a rapidly shrinking world, the benefits of learning modern languages will become more and more apparent to students required to compete with others from all over the world. These are just some of the benefits:
•Ability to communicate with many more people
•Greater understanding of other cultures
•Greater understanding of English (or whichever is the first language), its structures and nuances
•Ability to communicate in contexts where no one speaks English
Answer English
Answer English is an agency based in London, which helps language students coming to the city find the best accommodation and courses at an English language school. For anyone interested in studying at a language school London-based Answer English offers free advice as well as courses for Executive, Adult and Junior levels.
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About the Author
Answer English is an agency based in London, which helps language students coming to the city find the best accommodation and courses at an English language school. For anyone interested in studying at a language school London-based Answer English offers free advice as well as courses for Executive, Adult and Junior levels.
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