By Katya Curran
Speaking, writing, reading, listening – we do it every day. Communication is a hugely important part of our lives.
While most of us in New Zealand are fortunate to be fluent in the world's most widely-used language, the common belief that everyone is learning English is, frankly, not true. The reality is that our world is very diverse.
And so are the languages.
International Languages Week is an annual event held in New Zealand during the third week of August. It is a special awareness-raising occasion which provides time for schools, universities and wider communities to promote language and culture from around the world.
According to Philippa Kruger, Head of Languages at St Hilda's Collegiate School, International Languages Week primarily seeks to “celebrate languages”. Nation-wide, teachers and students have been organising many exciting activities to this effect. This year's theme, 'Languages Take You Places', aims to highlight the benefits of learning additional languages.
“Learning languages is a really powerful step to take,” Mrs Kruger states. “It opens pathways.”
This is because studying a language is not just about acquiring new words – it's about learning a new culture, a new people, a new place and a new way of life. It’s about becoming part of the global community.
As New Zealand becomes more internationally interested and influential, it makes sense that we become more diverse in our communication.
Mrs Kruger observes that languages are useful in many areas of life. “You can match a language with many other subjects, it adds that extra special something to a degree that employers find really impressive”. From tourism to business to global affairs, languages are invaluable.
Furthermore, the best aspect of travel is meeting the local people. This also requires interaction and communication. For this reason, being able to speak in the language of a totally different country is powerful. Instead of an isolated tourist, you can become a connected part of another community and another way of life.
Good news, New Zealand – we are responding. Between the last two Censuses (2001 and 2006), the number of multilingual people increased by almost 20%, to reach well over 600,000 people. One can only speculate as to the high numbers today. This is extremely positive and something that International Language Week seeks to encourage and increase.
So, in the spirit of the week, have a go at a second (or third) language! Its something you'll never regret.
When the rubber hits the road, if you have a language at least partially under your belt – you will be ready and confident to take on the world. Why? Because languages take you places.
Katya Curran is working with UNICEF as part of the 3Youth project, an upcoming section of the 3 News website focusing on social issues and written by young people.