PLAC 011-2014/ Prof. O. Saldivia M.

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1. Why is learning a foreign language important? Read the quotes about learning

languages. Choose 2 of them you like best, and comment on them:

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2. a) Why do people usually learn foreign languages? Think of as many reasons as

possible. Complete the following sentences:

1. People usually learn foreign languages because they…………………………………………………..

2. People…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. People……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

b) Read the text to find some more ideas. Fill in the gaps, using the word given in

capitals. There is an example at the beginning (1):

Learning a foreign language takes time and (1) dedication, but still millions of people do this

every day. And it is no wonder, for there are so many (2)_____________ spheres and situations where a

foreign language can be (3)___________.

Work and Career

More and more businesses need workers who can communicate in different languages and understand

other cultures. If your work involves regular contact with (4)_________of foreign languages, being able to

talk to them in their own language will help you build direct relationships with them. Knowledge

of (5)______________ languages may also increase your chances of finding a new job, getting a

(6)____________ or a transfer overseas, or of going on foreign business trips. No matter what career you

choose, if you’ve learned a second (7) __________________, you’ll have a real advantage. A technician

who knows (8)____________ or German, the head of a company who knows Japanese or Spanish, or a

salesperson who knows French or Chinese can work successfully with many more (9)________________

and in many more places than someone who knows only one language.

DEDICATION

COMMUNICATE CONNECTED

FOREIGN

PROMOTION LANGUAGE

LEARN DIFFERENT

PEOPLE HELPFUL

POETRY COURSES

ADVANCED

COLLEAGUES RUSSIAN

SPEAKERS

You live a new life for every new

language you speak.

(Czech proverb)

❝If you talk to a man in a language he

understands, that goes to his head. If

you talk to him in his own language,

that goes to his heart.❞ ‒Nelson Mandela

❝Language is the road map of a

culture. It tells you where its people

come from and where they are going.❞

‒Rita Mae Brown

❝ Knowledge of languages is the

doorway to wisdom.❞

--Roger Bacon

❝No man should travel until he has

learned the language of the country

he visits. Otherwise he voluntarily

makes himself a great baby - so

helpless and so ridiculous.❞ - Ralph Waldo Emerson

❝Learn everything you can, anytime

you can, from anyone you can; there

will always come a time when you

will be grateful you did.❞

‒Sarah Caldwell

❝A different language is a different

vision of life.❞

‒Federico Fellini

PLAC 011-2014/ Prof. O. Saldivia M.

http:// www.busyteacher.org

Study or research

You may find that information about subjects you are interested in published mainly in a foreign language.

Learning that language will give you access to the material and enable you to communicate with

(10) __________________.

Studying abroad

If you plan to study at a foreign university, college or school, you will need a good knowledge of the local

language. Your institution will probably provide preparatory (11)_______________ to improve your

language skills and continuing support throughout your main course.

Emigration

When you move to a different country or region, learning the local language will help you to communicate

and integrate with the local community.

Travel

Perhaps you are planning to go on holiday abroad. If so, knowledge of the language(s) you are likely to

meet will be useful. It is always a good idea to (12) _____________ some basic language phrases to help

you to 'get by', i.e. to order food and drink, find your way around, buy tickets, etc. If you have a more

(13)___________ knowledge of the language, you can have real conversations with the local people, which

can be interesting and will add a new dimension to your holiday.

Family and friends If your partner, in-laws, relatives or friends speak a different language, learning that language will help you

to (14) ________________ with them directly. It is also the most effective way you will learn about and

appreciate their culture.

Culture

Maybe you are interested in the literature, (15)____________, films, TV programs, music or some other

aspect of another culture? Studying another language, allows you to have an insider’s view, thus to feel

closer and more (16)____________ to other cultures.

Whatever the reason, learning a language opens up doors to many opportunities and benefits.

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/language/learn-foreign.html

4. Why do you study English? Would you like to learn some other language? What for?

(answer the questions using words from the TEXT).

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