You live a new life for every new language you speak. If you know only one language, you live only once. (Czech proverb) The limits of my language are the limits of my universe. (Ludwig Wittgenstein) If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. (Nelson Mandela)

Saturday 26 th September was the European Day of Languages

At the age of 18 months you can speak about fifty words. At the age of five you can speak several thousand!

By the age of 21, you will have spoken about 50 million words!!!

How many Languages are spoken in Europe? ABOUT 20 ABOUT 200

So… why learn another language? To understand millions more people around the world and to be able to REALLY understand the culture of countries when you visit them…

So… why learn another language? To improve your employability.  70% of British employers say that they value language skills in their employees.  Over 60% of British trade is with non-English speaking countries. To improve your employability.  70% of British employers say that they value language skills in their employees.  Over 60% of British trade is with non-English speaking countries.

So… why learn another language?  Your general reading and mental skills improve through studying a language.  Learning a foreign language gives you important life skills. You will be better able to adapt and cope with changes and to deal with unfamiliar and new situations.  You will also find that you can communicate better.  Your general reading and mental skills improve through studying a language.  Learning a foreign language gives you important life skills. You will be better able to adapt and cope with changes and to deal with unfamiliar and new situations.  You will also find that you can communicate better.

So… why learn another language? Taking the trouble to learn another language says a lot about YOU – you are somebody who CARES about being able to communicate with others, you are a THOUGHTFUL person and you are someone who doesn’t shy away from a CHALLENGE.

But… don’t worry, we’ve got GOOGLE translate!

So remember… Not everyone speaks English –it’s a multilingual, multicultural world. You do not have to be fluent in a language – there is room for all levels of ability in all types of work. Languages improve the quality of your life and your understanding of how other people live and think.

Languages are funny!