Why study a language
STUDYING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE………
• expands one's view of the world
• creates an understanding of human nature
• helps you learn how to learn
• teaches and encourages respect for other people
• contributes to cultural awareness
• builds practical skills for travel, business, leisure
• improves the knowledge of one's own language
• expands opportunities for meaningful leisure activity (travel, reading, viewing foreign language films)
• contributes to achievement of national goals, such as economic development or national security
• enables the transfer of training such as learning a second foreign language
80 per cent of English exporters are unable to conduct business in a foreign language.
77 % British exporters believe they lose business because they can’t speak other languages.
Exporters who use language skills achieve on average 45 % more sales.
Research suggests the UK is missing out on contracts worth up to £21 billion a year because of the lack of language skills in the workforce.
More than 30% UK businesses want people specifically for their language skills.
Most employers do not require complete fluency. They want conversational ability, which will give a good impression, help to build relationships and make new contacts.
Extracts from a House of Lords Debate, 3 December 2009
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