Most of the world is multilingual, and investing more in learning other languages and cultures. A monolingual Australia will fall further and further behind3.
All of the world’s most successful, stable and dynamic societies are increasingly embracing an international future — but unlike us, most have high proportions of citizens who speak several languages and can operate comfortably in cultures other than their own. The knowledge of more than one language gives a person an edge in judgement and competence. Qualified, multilingual competitors have an advantage against monolingual Australians in global companies and organisations.
With language and knowledge of the cultures, histories, societies of the people who use that language, comes a different way of seeing the world. The realization that there are other ways of seeing the world allows us to understand better the way we look at the world and react to it. Cultural self-awareness is a vital asset for Australians operating in a global realm across many cultures and languages.
It is true that more and more people around the world are learning English as a second language. But just because someone speaks to us in English doesn’t necessarily mean they see the world as we do. Relying on others who speak English, or on interpreters, brings major disadvantages: we may miss crucial nuances or differences in meaning or intent.
Learning another language contributes significantly to communication and literacy skills in English. Language study enhances listening and speaking skills, deepens the understanding of grammar, and builds the ability to analyse, categorise, find patterns and express and defend opinions. Neurological research shows that bilingual speakers have denser brain tissue in areas of language, memory and attention than monolingual speakers4.
Footnotes
- Graddol, D, English Next: Why global English may mean the end of 'English as a foreign language' British Council, 2006.
- Reference for languages and brain development.