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

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You live a new life for every new

language you speak.
(Czech proverb)
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:
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

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

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

Learn everything you can, anytime

A different language is a different

you can, from anyone you can; there

will always come a time when you

vision of life.
Federico Fellini

will be grateful you did.

Sarah Caldwell

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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 youve learned a second (7) __________________, youll 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

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

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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 insiders 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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Taken from www.busyteacher.org/ Prof. O. Saldivia M.