1. A level Languages

2. "I speak English, so I don't have to learn a foreign language...."
Everyone speaks English, right? Well, certainly not everyone speaks English. According to the CIA World Fact Book, only 5.6 % of the world's total population speaks English as a primary language. That number doubles when people who speak English as a second or third language are counted. By conservative estimates, that means that well over four-fifths of the world's population does not speak English.

3. It's true that English has become a global lingua franca over the past several decades; this fact, however, really should have little effect on your decision to learn a foreign language. The attitude that English alone is enough, in fact, creates self-imposed limitations.

4. To only speak one language is to stunt your educational development, to restrict your communication and thinking abilities, and to deny yourself the ability to fully appreciate and understand the world in which you live.

5. Learning another language opens up new opportunities and gives you perspectives that you might never have encountered otherwise.

6. "A different language is a different vision of life."
Federico Fellini,
Italian film director

7. For survival in the global community, every nation needs individuals who are competent in other languages, who can bridge the gap between cultures, contribute to international diplomacy, promote national security and world peace, and successfully engage in international trade.

8. Businesses that intend to compete internationally need employees who can competently communicate in the locales where they do business. Employees who speak one language can communicate only with people who speak that same language.

9. Business is not the only area of employment where language competencies are needed.
Multiple government agencies, the travel industry, engineering, communications, the field of education, international law, economics, public policy, publishing, advertising, entertainment, scientific research, and a broad array of service sectors all have needs for people with foreign language skills.

10. Research shows that knowledge of other languages boosts students' understanding of languages in general and enables students to use their native language more effectively. Foreign language learners have stronger vocabulary skills in English, a better understanding of the language, and improved literacy in general.

11. People who have learned foreign languages show greater cognitive development in areas such as mental flexibility, creativity, and higher order thinking skills, such as problem-solving, conceptualizing, and reasoning

12. Language learners learn to deal with unfamiliar cultural ideas, they are much better equipped to adapt and cope in a fast-changing world. They also learn to effectively handle new situations. Looking at different cultures leads to tolerance of diverse lifestyles and customs. It improves the learner's ability to understand and communicate with people from different walks of life.

13. John Cleese: Learning a language makes our minds stronger and more flexible. Actually using it gives us an entirely new experience of the world.

14. Huw Edwards: During my career I have interviewed people of many nationalities and know that being able to address them in their own language is a great help. It puts the interviewee at ease and makes the conversation that follows (even if that is conducted in English) much more relaxed. We all need to develop extra language skills because they are essential in our multicultural society. As a Welshman I also feel strongly that we should celebrate and respect the world’s minority languages.

15. Jonny Wilkinson: I spent some time brushing up on my French
Jonny Wilkinson: I spent some time brushing up on my French. I am reading the French version of Running man by Stephen King. It is one of my favourite films. I can get the gist of it, which makes it more enjoyable rather than having to have a dictionary by my side all the time. I need to speak the language a fair bit more. I would like to get it nailed down. The only way really to do that is to spend some time in France.

16. Learning a language is like learning to dance
Learning a language is like learning to dance.  You learn the basic moves and the linking movements, and then you're given an example to follow.  Then you have to practise, practise and practise some more so that you get the right bits in the right order and can do it with enough style to not look like a lump.  This can only happen if you are prepared to put in the time.  You can't start rehearsing the night before and expect to be in time with the music not fall over.

17. Myths and Realities about Language Learning
Myth: What's the point in learning languages when everyone can speak English!
REALITY: In fact there is a great and increasing demand in the workplace for people who can speak languages other than English.
75% of the world's population do not speak English
Other European countries are aiming for skills in three languages
60% + of British trade is with non-English speaking countries
British business has the poorest language skills in Europe

18. Myths and Realities about Language Learning
MYTH: It's difficult to get a job with a language degree!
REALITY: In fact more than 94% of UK language graduates succeed in finding a job really quickly. They have a higher success rate than students of Computing, Accountancy, Engineering, Psychology, Sociology and Media Studies.

19. Myths and Realities about Language Learning
MYTH: The only jobs you can do with languages are teaching, translating and airline cabin crew!
REALITY: In fact there is a great demand for language teachers and translators, but UK language students get jobs in a wide variety of fields, for example:
Business services 31.9%
Manufacturing 12.2%
Banking, finance 11.0%
Wholesale/retail 8.6%
Transport/communications 8.6%
Community/ social and personal services 8.2%
Public administration 6.2%
Education 5.6%
Health/Social work 3.0%
Hotels and restaurants 2.0%

20. Occupations involving Languages
Computer programmer
Customer support adviser
Executive search consultant
Cultural briefing consultant
Interpreter
Teacher
Language trainer
Translator
Engineering
Banking
Civil service
Travel and tourism
Secretary/PA
Marketing
Public relations
Pharmaceutical work
Journalism and media
Transport and distribution
Website localiser

21. If you speak two languages you are as useful as two people
If you speak two languages you are as useful as two people. If you speak three languages you are as useful as three people. Employers see this, so should you.

22. With the world becoming a global village speaking only one language will definitely shut you out.

23. If your C.V. shows that you can speak more than one language you will be chosen over other prospective employees that speak only one language.

24. The business world is in need of people who are multi-lingual because of the global economy. You will be an asset to any business with more than one language at your disposal. Many employers will even pay you more for this asset.

25. Learning a foreign language is easily done by anybody.
So, don’t worry if you haven’t got an “aptitude” for learning a foreign language. Desire is all you need along with the learning tools.
French is the only language other than English spoken on five continents. French and English are the only two global languages.