Katie Hunter | Deputy Editor In Chief

St Andrew’s and St Brides had a (late) celebration of the European Day of Languages on Thursday of last week. This event helped pupils to recognise the importance of learning a second language which can also be fun and enjoyable along the way. This is something I can certainly endorse as a student of both French and Spanish.

The European Day of Languages was established by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and has been held each year on the 26th of September since 2001. In a joint statement by Walter Schwimmer and Viviane Reding, released at the official launch, it was said:

“Everybody deserves the chance to benefit from the cultural and economic advantages language skills can bring. Learning languages also helps to develop tolerance and understanding between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds”

From my point of view, there has truly never been more opportunities to put modern language skills to good use: the globalisation of businesses means that English alone is no longer enough – those who can speak and recognise a foreign language have increased job opportunities as result.

Without a doubt, knowing a foreign language expands your world view and breaks down the barrier between people of different cultures. This is evident through the fact that, in London alone, there are 300 languages spoken.

In past years, our school has put on a range of exciting activities for all year groups and this year was no different. Pupils in first year had an insight into the Spanish culture with a taster session in flamenco dancing (not Mr Milligan with his maracas!). This day is something I remember fondly from my time in first year and the fun that I had definitely inspired me to continue and expand my knowledge of languages and realise all the exciting opportunities that learning languages could lead to.

Other year groups participated in class quizzes to raise their awareness of other languages and cultures. We are lucky to have so many wonderful modern language teachers who were able to give their classes a chance to experience completely unique lesson away from their normal French or Spanish classes. This included sessions in Japanese, Portuguese, Catalan and Italian. The teachers also gave out stickers in a multitude of the 225 indigenous European languages (roughly 3% of the world’s total) to help signify the importance of recognising, using and cherishing each of these.

Learning a language undoubtedly brings a variety of benefit to students of any age – enabling us to make new friends from different parts of the world and therefore giving us an opportunity to fully appreciate the beauty and culture of the world we live. In addition, through learning a new language, the functionality of your brain is actually improved as it is challenged to recognise, negotiate meaning and communicate, as well as helping to boost problem solving skills.

So what can you do to increase your understanding of other languages?

One of my favourite ways to improve my knowledge of a specific language is just by listening. Watching movies in a different language (with English subtitles and an appropriate age rating of course) is a wonderful and fun way to learn whilst de-stressing after that long week of school. Even taking the time in lessons to fully immerse yourself and appreciate the beautiful language being spoken is crucial in increasing your ability.

Whilst apps such as Babbel and Duolingo can help speakers to recognise some basic vocabulary in a foreign language, there is truly no substitute to having a teacher. We must grasp the opportunity whilst we have the chance at school and European Day of Languages has helped to reinforce this message amongst the pupils.

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