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Four reasons to learn a Foreign Language

15/12/2020

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A linguist and Columbia professor, Mr John McWhorter, recently conducted a talkback radio feature relating to learning new languages and the necessity for this. I heard about this both on the radio and in a CCTNews article which I have referenced below.  McWhorter makes the case that English is rapidly consolidating its position as the universal language, and points out how this begs  an important question: if you speak English already, why bother learning another language?  
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According to McWhorter, English is on its way to becoming the predominant global language by the end of this century, thanks to its prevalence on the internet, and its use in the world of finance, diplomacy and air traffic control, and even though Mandarin is currently spoken by more people, far more Chinese speakers are learning English than the other way around.   If that were not enough reason to forget about studying a foreign language, he adds that instant translation of live speech is getting better every year.  
These two points lead McWhorter to ask: Why should anyone learn foreign languages if everyone will either be able to speak English, or have access to technology that will automatically translate speech?
McWhorter gives the following reasons as to why you should learn a foreign language:
  • If you want to imbibe a culture, you have to control the language the culture is conducted in. Languages are tickets to being able to participate in the culture of the people who speak them, and so if you want to imbibe a culture, you have to control the language the culture is conducted in.
  • Bilingualism is healthy. If you speak two languages, dementia is less likely to set in.
  • Being bilingual makes you a better multi-tasker.
  • Learning languages full of different sounds, and different word order is fun.
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McWhorter concludes with a reflection on how it has never been easier to teach yourself a language. “You used to have to go to class, go to the laboratory, use records… and books that didn’t work”. In comparison, now we have “modern methods of learning languages would have sounded like science fiction to very sophisticated people”.

We agree with McWhorter, in that the options for language learning now are very vast and accessible. To truly grasp a language though there is a necessity to practice your communication skill so that when it is time to use it in real life, you have the skill and the confidence to do so. At Vocational Lanaguge Learning Centre (VLLC) we teach languages using multisensory techniques so that the language becomes a usable skill, just like your first language.
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Start your learning experience in any of VLLC's 12 foreign languages online and you will open your eyes to a brand new future! The possibilities are endless! VLLC offers foreign language courses taught in one to one tutorials for each of the following languages.  Click on one of the following languages below to find out more; Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, English, French, German, Greek, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish or Thai. Learn your language at our Melbourne or Adelaide offices or via Skype using our exclusive online software.

Whether you want to learn a language for travel, business, love or to keep your brain active; VLLC have a comprehensive range of fully accredited courses to suit your needs.

VLLC aim to give students a voice and the self-assurance to speak through the practical application of the language. Key reasons to complete a course with VLLC include:
  • You end up with a usable skill through language.
  • You can build your confidence and have fun.
  • You can reach a language goal without wasting your time.
  • You learn correct pronunciation for practical usage.
  • You can learn flexibly through the online client.
  • You can become truly bilingual by thinking in your second language.

See how our language courses can help you and have a look at some of our Student's stories to see how learning a language can change your life.

http://www.cctnews.com/ted-talks-4-reasons-learn-new-language/3520/
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All things French!

9/12/2020

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​Whether you are conducting business with the French, a city lover, beach lover, skier or lover of the countryside, France has it all, from arts and culture to fantastic food. France hits the jackpot!  From the beaches of the South in Nice and Saint-Tropez to the vineyards and hop growing areas of Alsace in the North, France has something that appeals to everyone.  While France has it all for many visitors, France is barely touched, let alone uncovered, because of one simple thing: French. 

Fans of the hugely popular Only Fools and Horses will all know how the main character Del Boy used misplaced French phrases to make him sound impressive or to just get a point across, common phrases that really are not phrases such as “It’s Boeuf Bourguignon, as the French would say”.  While people around the world, including the French, have laughed till they hurt at Del Boy’s use of French. It does nonetheless, speak volumes about the importance and even respect that the language has in getting to know France and the French people. Speaking French raises a person up in French society and shows considerable respect in a nation where respect is important.
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Having more than a smattering of French makes a massive difference to any visit to the rich and diverse country.  With language, a weekend in Paris becomes more than just a quick trip up the Eiffel Tower, a visit to Euro Disney and a brisk walk around Pompidou Centre or the Louvre following in the footsteps of each and every tourist.  Language lifts the lid of, not just Paris, but the whole of France where small, family run restaurants can be happily visited without the worry of not being able to understand what is on the menu, or morning coffee can be shared in a pavement café, watching the world go by whilst deep in conversation with a true Parisian.
Knowing how to communicate in the French language opens up the French Culture and allows you to blend in to experience, not just a country, but a way of life. Iconic tourist attractions are seen with different eyes when you can converse in French and you can begin to understand why the people of France are so proud of what they have.  Historic castles such as Le Puy-en-Velay in the South of France and the Chateau de Chenonceau, open up in a whole new way of being able to talk about and discuss the stories behind the walls in French. In their native language. Stories become more alive and you will, of course, discover little things that those without the ability to speak French would miss out on.
Even a walk in the Winelands of France come to life with French. Being able to discuss Red wine in Bordeaux with a local farmer and uncovering smaller wine estates that may be off the grid because you cannot speak French, turns wine tasting into a real French adventure. France has so much more to offer than just the Champs Elysees, Eiffel Tower, and Euro Disney and it can only truly be uncovered by being able to communicate in French.
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Why learning a language can pay in business..

8/12/2020

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Being bilingual not only makes traveling a lot easier but it exponentially increases who you can be friends with, it provides many benefits in the business world.  Many people say – “I can get by with English” – “why do I need to bother about learning a second language”, this may be OK in an English speaking country with English speaking clients and colleagues, but what about when the world comes to your doorstep?  There are 5.5 billion people who don’t speak any English at all!
So what are some of the advantages and how can you make the hours of learning a second language impact your pay packet….

Your CV.  Being able to speak a foreign language and having experience with a different culture looks good on any application. It also assumes many other soft skills, that HR managers rate highly - such as empathy towards non English speakers, cultural flexibility, international outlook. In today's competitive job market being bilingual is a tremendous value-add to employers that separates you from the other pile of resumes. The more diverse your skill set is the more emplyable you become.  According to the latest Education and Skills Survey from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), “72% of businesses say they value foreign language skills” and 52% say they are “recruiting new staff with language skills”. The Languages for Jobs report, published by the European Commission, also found that “40% of recruiters in the industry sector highlighted the importance of language skills for future higher education graduates”.

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Job promotions. There aren't many situations where language skills are the reason that someone gets passed over for a promotion, or even just to keep your job. But in an increasingly competitive job market, why would you not give yourself every possible edge? Being able to communicate in other languages makes you much more valuable to an employer.

David Goodman-Smith, managing partner at China Study Abroad, a full-service agency based in Beijing, says his company's fastest-growing group of students are people looking to enhance their employment opportunities. "Having that competitive edge on your CV these days can be invaluable and Mandarin is without a doubt an eye-catcher. Companies are on the lookout for these kinds of experiences more and more," he explains.

Rapport building. Building your network. As we all know, most business is based on relationships – especially in Asia. The minute you start to speak your client’s language, you build rapport which can save time and money in the long term.  Isn’t it easy to ring and directly talk to your clients, rather than go through a translator.

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More money.  While there are no definitive studies showing the increase in pay for those who are bilingual, there are many personal anecdotes, which show that being bilingual is an advantage when it comes to pay rates. Look at the following statements taken from:  http://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2014/04/17/how-learning-an-additional-language-could-influence-your-business/

The U.S. Committee on Economic Development (CED) suggests that American businesses lose more than $2 billion a year to language or cultural misunderstandings. To be successful, international businesses (which are pretty much all of us these days, as foreign trade has become a substantial component of our economy) need to adapt to the needs of foreign clients as well as to communicate with foreign partners effectively.

Consider these statements from the CED:

“For Richard Wagoner, the President and CEO of General Motors, learning Portuguese while on assignment in Brazil increased his effectiveness in working with the Brazilian business community. Douglas Daft, the former chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Company, spent nearly three decades living in Asia while working for Coca-Cola. He believes the cultural knowledge he gained from his time in the region shaped his ability to lead the company, and considers understanding and valuing other cultures to be an essential skill for anyone working at Coca-Cola.”

Nearly 80% of business leaders surveyed believe their overall business would increase notably if they had more internationally competent employees on staff, the CED concludes. Additionally, one in five U.S. manufacturing jobs was already tied to exports by 2006, the CED maintains.
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Foreign consumers, the majority of whom primarily speak languages other than English, represent significant business opportunities for American producers, as the United States is home to less than five percent of the world’s population. Additionally, trade is shifting to different parts of the world, the CED notes. The United States’ annual trade with Asia is now approaching $800 billion (as of 2006—the sum is likely even much greater today), significantly out-pacing our trade with Europe. (Note to career seekers: for your job and salary prospects as well, being fluent in a second language is a definite plus.)

Have a look at the current Languages of the Future. https://www.britishcouncil.org/organisation/policy-insightresearch/languages-future-2017. 

Discover 5 of the fastest-growing languages in the business world right now and contact us with a VLLC Course coordinator to discuss your personal vocational requirements.
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    These blogs are about learning a foreign language and utilising that skill to forward your professional path.  

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