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20 reasons to learn a language

Now I know you often find lists such as these, but I did this one specifically for my students at school, so it's aimed at youngsters. It's on the Y9 page of frenchteacher.net, but I'll post it here as some may find it handy:

1. If you ever move abroad you will be able to talk with local people.
2. You may need the language for your work in the UK or abroad.
3. You will find the language useful when you go on holiday or travel through the country.
4. You may wish to study abroad one day.
5. You may need the language for study or research in another field.
6. You may need it to learn about the culture, civilisation or history of another country.
7. Maybe you just like the challenge of learning another language.
8. It may help you look at your own language or culture.
9. You may just enjoy using different sounds and words. It’s fun.
10. Perhaps you enjoy solving grammar problems and translating.
11. It will make you seem clever – people think learning languages is hard!
12. Maybe you do not want to look stupid when you meet non-English speakers.
13. Perhaps you wish to show courtesy and respect to others.
14. You may like to watch films in the original language.
15. You may like to understand songs in the original language.
16. Perhaps you want to have an advantage over others in the job market.
17. Research shows learning languages may make you more clever in other areas.
18. Learning some languages will help with your own grammar and spelling.
19. You will become a more tolerant and rounded person..
20. You can have secret conversations which others do not understand.

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