Why learning new languages matters
Why learning new languages matters
Sutton High School’s thriving languages department isn’t just about traditional classroom learning. Here, Gabrielle and Amelia, two Sutton High year twelve linguists, discuss why they are passionate linguists and where they envisage their linguistic skills will take them in the future…
In an increasingly globalised world, the ability to communicate across cultures has become an essential skill. Learning new languages offers a multitude of benefits beyond basic communication. It enhances cognitive flexibility, improves memory, and strengthens problem-solving skills. As the job market becomes more competitive, speaking multiple languages can set you apart from other candidates, making you a more desirable asset. 40% of multilingual employees said language skills helped them land a job, and they earned 19% more than single-language speakers. Furthermore, one of the most enriching aspects of learning a new language is the cultural insight it provides. By learning a language, we can gain access to a new worldview and develop empathy toward people from different cultural backgrounds.
Over the course of our GCSE studies, we both have gone on a few foreign trips to help with our learning. In the Autumn of 2022, we went on an exchange trip to Normandy, and later that year, we went on another brilliant trip, but that time to the south of France: Nice. We visited plenty of incredible sights at both places. To name a few, Mont-St-Michel, the Monte Carlo casino, and the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. This proves that learning languages doesn’t only give you the opportunity to interact with people who speak different languages, but it grants you fantastic opportunities and trips to go on where you will be able to gain insights into unique and fun cultures around the world. Apart from trips, every year, Sutton High also invites students to participate in the GDST Languages Festival, where we can work with students from other GDST schools and bond over our mutual love for studying languages.
In addition to going on language trips abroad, we also participated in various language-based activities in and out of school. As part of the Linguazine and Linguapod club in Y10, Sutton High School’s languages magazine and podcast, we created content exploring the cultures of different countries, such as art, music, poetry, sports, politics, festivals, and more, with the aim of introducing Sutton High’s students to the joy of learning languages. Furthermore, Sutton High also annually holds a Languages Cabaret, where students can display what they learnt over the year as well as express their love for languages and cultures through any sort of art form they like. The performances range from singing La Vie en Rose in French, reading poetry in Spanish, to acting out a scene from a German play. Students are also given the opportunity to attend the annual GDST Languages Festival, where they are able to work with students from other GDST schools who are also passionate about learning other languages.
In terms of how languages will continue to be a part of our life as we continue to grow and venture into the adult world, Amelia aspires to work in either the film, tv or theatre industry. She hopes to take part in work experience somewhere in the French film industry to gain new skills related to her career aspirations, and further improve her French language skills. Furthermore, staying with her family in Nice will enable her to practise the language. Learning French at A Level will definitely be beneficial for furthering Amelia’s career and visiting France. On the other hand, after completing her French and Spanish A-level studies, Gabrielle is planning to study languages at university and spending a year abroad in France in order to immerse herself in the French culture as well as further refine her language skills. She would like a career that is language-based, such as a diplomat, and to act as a volunteer to help international charities.
