http://www.essentialkids.com.au/education/school/primary-school/what-languages-should-children-be-learning-to-get-ahead-20170324-gv5qn3

There are many reasons student should study a language as this article points out. But is there a better language that everyone should learn? It’s clear that the answer is not an easy one given the examples and the variance across the Australian States. Very few primary aged children get access to good language development and this is not because of the language itself- it usually comes down to getting a trained language teacher. We know that children are the most receptive to learn a new language in the early to mid-years of primary school but the learning of another language is not a compulsory study area- and is unlikely to be because of the teacher shortage. At the secondary level the Department of Education in its own 2015 workforce projection data acknowledged “a decreasing supply of teachers of Languages other than English. Projections for this area are made more complex by the range of language subjects offered and the relatively small number of appointments in some of those subjects.” (https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/about-us/statistics-and-research/key-statistics-and-reports/workforce-plan-4-school-teachers.pdf)

Mrs Anna Roberts – teacher of French and Japanese comments: “My personal position is that is doesn’t matter which language you study as long as you study it in depth and up to HSC level. Research shows that once you learn one language, it becomes easier to learn a second, then a third etc. Scripted and tonal languages are the most difficult without doubt (Mandarin, Vietnamese etc). European languages tend to allow students to read/write/listen/speak more quickly because of the orthography. In my experience, learning a European language before moving to a scripted one is easier. Also, learning a language for pleasure is something that may be overlooked. And, if that language, say French, sits well alongside a student’s pattern of study (eg Art theory, Modern History, Hospitality, Music) then that language study becomes all the richer. I consider a language student has really ‘kicked a goal’ when they continue with it at university as part of their degree, or travel etc. Additionally, there’s the cultural growth, and the neuroplasticity which helps with every other aspect of learning. The skills learnt at school language level are a springboard.”

Ms Josie Yan our Mandarin teacher comments: “While it is not difficult to learn Mandarin once you are interested and committed, by learning the language you will also learn about the Chinese history and culture, which is over 3,000 years old. Studying the Mandarin Chinese language can be great asset for you and your future life and career. China’s influence grew when it joined the World Trade Organisation and became an integral part of the global economic system. Australia’s trade with Asia, but particularly China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, is substantial and growing. Furthermore, do you know that Newcastle Port since 2014 has been leased by the China Merchants Group who with Hastings, are equal partners in a 98-year venture? Chinese language skills and understanding of Chinese culture can obviously assist students to gain opportunities including employment, trading and business development for the future.”

In my view to end, the study of languages open worlds for young people, teaching wider perspectives and life beyond their own experience. It helps students to appreciate difference. In addition, a study of language helps students to learn – to think, communicate and engage.  Languages other than English assist in developing positive learning habits and the student takes away values, attitudes and skills for life. Ultimately, individuals find value in numerous ways. There is no right language – just study a language!