"Je Hablo English" (I Speak English)

There is so much talk in today’s world about identity and expressing oneself, but I found that so many people forget that this extends into so many other personal aspects of ourselves that we don’t tend to think about. One aspect is the language in which we speak and feel most connected with. Something many of us take for granted, but the language(s) that we speak hold far more importance than we would first give them credit for.

Our forever expanding technology has made communication an almost effortless process, both locally and across nations. However, with close to 7000 languages in today’s world, lacking in language knowledge renders us helpless and completely dependent upon the language skills of others.

In Europe the UK stands at the bottom of the list of countries for having citizens who speak a second, third or fourth language. Not only does it highlight our typically British unwillingness to learn; ‘because everyone speaks English,’ it limits our chances academically. Solutions are already set in place as the department for education moved the introduction of language learning to primary schools, stressing the fact that language learning enhances our intellect and “[...] can result in early achievements such as improved communication skills, positive attitudes towards languages and cultures and heightened metalinguistic and metacognitive awareness.” (Martin, 2000; Edelenbos, 2006) Language learning has been proven to increase one’s awareness and understanding of tenses, word order, and sentence structure. It has also been noted that language learning can open up more career opportunities which, in the light of today’s economic climate, certainly highlights its importance.

On a less political note, the importance of language learning is clear as it joins people together, allowing them to express themselves and avoid the frustration of not being understood abroad, something many often feel. Outside the English-run resorts lies the opportunity to meet and befriend a wide range of individuals, and reveal new cultures and different ways of life. Suddenly, the chance to visit and explore exotic places as an equal becomes open, and with it the opportunity to experience the things that are hitherto only dreamed of becomes feasible. It is these kinds of experiences that shape characters and attitudes, and can add to practical entities such as CV’s and personal statements.

There are more ways than one that the importance of language learning extends onto personal development, highlighted in my own experience and the large role it has played in my life, in particularly French. My parents have owned a house in France for nearly thirty years, in an intensely rural area where foreigners are uncommon and we, ourselves, are the only English speakers for miles. Without our knowledge of French, communication with others would be impossible and it is because of our knowledge that we have maintained close friendships that mean the world to us. Though English is my native tongue, French is my heart language, and it has shaped me into the person I am today. Using this experience to my advantage has promoted my personal statement and communicational skills; something many workplaces seek.

To conclude, the importance of language learning can clearly be observed on many scales, both politically and personally. Learning a language develops one as a person, and promotes awareness of other backgrounds, traditions and ways of life. It also strengthens the student academically and provides them with a greater chance of being employable, both locally and nationally. Though previously overlooked, the importance of language learning is resurfacing and in today’s connected world, needs to be seized upon and understood more than ever before. We need to keep up with the advancing world and language learning is one of the more influential the means to do that.