Learning a foreign language has many benefits. The following is just a few that I believe are relevant and encouraging for our students here at Woodend.

*Foreign Language study creates more positive attitudes and less prejudice toward people who are different.                                                                                                                          *Dealing with another culture enables students to gain a more profound understanding of their own culture.
*Creativity is increased with the study of a foreign language.
*Skills like problem solving, dealing with abstract concepts, are increased when you study a foreign language.
*Foreign language study enhances listening skills and memory.
*The study of a foreign tongue improves the knowledge of one’s own language: English vocabulary skills increase.
*The study of foreign languages teaches and encourages respect for other people.
*Foreign languages expand one’s view of the world, liberalize one’s experiences, and make one more flexible and tolerant.
*Foreign language study leads to an appreciation of cultural diversity.

(Research from Auburn University, November 2013)

Some food for thought.