A rationale for learning languages

Evidence indicates that comparatively few New Zealanders whose first language is English are fluent in another language.

... it is clear that the level of bilingualism in the total New Zealand population is low. Where bilingualism does occur, it occurs mainly in minority language groups …. But bilingualism is not nearly as prevalent in the majority population, whose first language is English.

In many other countries around the world, however, learning languages forms a prominent part of a student's education and many students can speak a second language. Learning a second, or sometimes third, language may be a compulsory aspect of the school curriculum.

This section of Learning Languages:

• presents and explains a set of principles and beliefs about learning new languages;
• discusses the benefits of learning other languages;
• explores some contexts where it is valuable to be able to communicate in more than one language.

Learning a language fits squarely into the essential The New Zealand Curriculum Framework learning area of 'Language and Languages'. Schools are encouraged to include language learning in their school's strategic plan so that all students have equitable opportunities to learn at least one new language.

If schools restrict students' access to such programmes, they are failing to uphold the principle of equity, and may also discourage students from choosing to study a language in later years.

Summary

• There are sound reasons for New Zealand students to learn new languages.



• Learning Languages sets out eight language-learning principles, which are supported by current research.



• Learning additional languages can benefit New Zealand in today's changing world.

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