THE IMPORTANCE OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION

VOICES FROM THE CONTINENTS

Abstract

Learning a second and/or a foreign language is no longer a luxury. Opportunities in higher education, in international military, diplomacy and economics increasingly require multilingual skills. Countries engaged in the global market need employees with knowledge of foreign languages and cultures to market products to customers around the globe and to work effectively with colleagues from partner countries with different languages and cultures. In the same way, international organisations have underscored the importance of competence in foreign languages for: international finance, trade, diplomacy and security. Research has further shown that knowledge of a foreign language broadens a person’s opportunities in higher education and helps in the overall cognitive development. Foreign languages are essential in peace keeping missions and in international courts. In discussing the importance of foreign languages, this paper surveys literature to uncover key policy decisions, practices and directions adopted by various nations in the world. Examples are drawn from regions representing the five continents.