TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024
Annalie Rodrigues
Foreign languages have been a part of the Goan education system for quite some time. Languages such as French and Portuguese are provided as options in schools for students to study from a young age. Besides this, one can also make an attempt to go one step further and learn some more foreign languages. Several online platforms provide such courses that can be availed of free of charge. In today’s day and age, where we have an abundance of resources at our fingertips, it is relatively easy to use these to our advantage. Along with this, there are also several organisations and tutors in Goa that teach foreign languages. Being able to communicate across languages is a valuable asset that can break boundaries and open the doors to a myriad of opportunities in the personal and professional spheres. Studying any new language can prove to be an asset as it improves communication skills and enhances interpersonal and intercultural relations by breaking the language barrier.
Learning foreign languages has several immediate and long-term benefits including opening up several job prospects- one can become a translator, professor, screenwriter, customer care executive, or any such profession that requires foreign languages or the use of bilingualism.
Learning foreign languages has several immediate and long-term benefits as it opens up several job prospects- one can become a translator in embassies or government jobs, professor, screenwriter in the entertainment industry, customer care executive at hotels and travel and tourism companies to communicate efficiently with foreign customers, or any such profession that requires foreign languages or the use of bilingualism. Learning a language like German can ensure free education if one opts to study in Germany in the future and travelling abroad also becomes easier as locals are friendlier to people who speak and understand their language, which leads to more efficient communication. A longer attention span, improved memory and cognitive flexibility are some of the demonstrated cognitive benefits of learning global languages. One can also try to break cultural barriers by learning new languages as it helps in understanding and appreciating other cultures as well. This leads people to be more open minded and non-judgemental about other cultures and languages.
Nalini Elvino de Sousa, Manager at Communicare Trust says, “As a Portuguese teacher at Communicare Trust since 2005, I have found that consistency in learning a new language is the most crucial aspect. It is not enough to attend a language course. One has to remember that language is for life and needs to be practiced, or we will eventually forget how to use it.”
Leah Costa, a 16 year old student who took up the initiative on her own to learn German through Duolingo, says, “I would like to pursue my further education somewhere abroad, so I began learning German to expand my choices. I am finding it very easy to learn the languages, as Duolingo simplifies the teaching material a lot. Watching German videos of stories for children with English subtitles has also helped me to pick up the language faster and has helped with learning the accent.”
Sychelle Pinto, a college student learning Korean, says, “I was inspired to learn the language because I was fascinated by the Korean culture and language that I saw in K-dramas and K-pop. I initially began learning through Duolingo but later switched to using online resources that were shared on X (formerly Twitter) communities and immersed myself in Korean media as I found it beneficial in learning how natives actually speak. I also try to say the words out loud to get a hang of the pronunciations. For those learning a new language, I would recommend keeping a notebook to jot down new words and go through them regularly. I believe that consistency is key when it comes to learning anything new and with so many open sources at our disposal, it is relatively easy to learn new languages on our own, although we should ensure to use multiple resources to cross-check what we learn.”
Anthea Dias, a student learning German from Indo-German Educational and Cultural Society in Goa, says, “I began learning German almost two years ago through online sessions. As I could potentially build my career abroad, I decided to learn German so that I will be able to communicate at least in places like Austria and Germany. I also go through websites like Deutsche Welle, which provide exercises and tutorials for free, in order to practice whatever I learn through my online classes. I feel it is important to try to speak basic sentences in the language you are learning, as this has helped me improve my basics. I also believe that it is never too late to start a new language and would like to encourage everyone to try to do so.”
It is therefore apparent that students are slowly understanding the importance of learning foreign languages and are taking up opportunities to do so. Goa's emphasis on foreign language study indicates a progressive outlook on both professional and personal development. As the world continues to shrink through technology and travel, the ability to communicate across languages remains a powerful tool for connection and opportunity.
