LANGUAGES

The Benefits of LOTE

The benefits of studying a language other than English are numerous and far-reaching.

Learning a language:

• is enjoyable and fulfilling and provides variety and interest to the overall educational experience. It promotes a love of learning, enquiry, knowledge and excellence
• promotes a heightened understanding and appreciation of world cultures, widens students' perceptions of the world and promotes tolerance of diversity and difference. Learning a language helps shape students into well-rounded, open-minded, visionary young people who are in tune with the culture, society and languages of the broader world community
• broadens boys' communicative effectiveness and literacy skills. It improves one's understanding of language as a system, including the English language
• increases problem-solving skills, lateral thinking, can improve the memory, self-discipline and self-esteem. Learning another language can help students gain a number of important life skills, including the important inter-personal skills vital in any career
• helps develop sound study skills in a systematic, guided manner. It provides students with a challenge, with academic rigour and the opportunity for excellent results

The ability to speak a Language Other Than English (LOTE):

• provides career flexibility and is a valuable skill, leading to many career opportunities. For example, proficiency in a language is essential in over 60 occupations. Languages combine well with degrees and diplomas in many disciplines, such as law, economics, media, international business administration, commerce, arts, education, research, communications, I.T., tourism, diplomacy and hospitality, to name a few
• is highly sought-after by employers wishing to recruit broad-minded young people with a range of skills. With increased economic globalisation, the opening up of international markets, increasing trade interdependency and the huge tourism market in Australia, employers are looking for capable young people with strong language, literacy, self-expression and communication skills. Language proficiency and understanding of other cultures are vital skills for anyone who wishes to succeed

CHINESE (MANDARIN)

Chinese is a significant world language, spoken by about a quarter of the world's population, and one of the official languages of the United Nations. It is the major language of communication in China, Taiwan and Singapore and is widely used by Chinese communities throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia.

The Peoples' Republic of China has a significant profile in economic, political and cultural developments globally and, in particular, has a major influence on the nations of the Asia-Pacific. Australia now has a strong connection through trade, political and cultural contacts with both the Peoples' Republic of China and other nations where Chinese communities are important contributors to their growth and diversity.

Chinese is especially important in Australia because it is widely spoken in the community, and the study of it by Australians will enhance the positive features of a culturally diverse society and generate mutual respect.

Studying Chinese can provide a basis for continued learning and a pathway for students into post-secondary options. These options may include employment domestically or internationally in areas such as tourism, technology, finance, services and business.

Boys studying Chinese at elective levels at Newington have the valuable experience of learning the language from a native speaker of Chinese. Culture is integrated into the language study, with boys discovering the richness of Chinese traditions and influence whilst mastering the language. Newington boys have had excellent results in Chinese in recent years.

FRENCH

French is the living and working language of over 300 million people around the globe. There are 49 countries that use French as their official, second or priority language. This represents one quarter of the nations of the world.

French is a major cultural and scientific language. With English, it is the official language of the Olympic Games and is widely used in the Arts and high culture. French is one of the languages most studied in the world. Its appeal lies in its beauty, its practicality for travel, commerce, technology, communications and sport. French is widely used in international law, business and diplomacy.

French is used throughout the world as a passport to trade opportunities, particularly in French speaking areas. In recent years, there has been an increase in French commercial ventures in Australia. Over 40,000 Australians are employed by French companies in areas as diverse as education, fashion, mining, leisure, sport and tourism, telecommunications, banking, translating and interpreting, medical and scientific research, agriculture (wine, wool, dairy produce), transport, trade and I.T.

Learning French develops greater awareness of other cultures and encourages empathy towards speakers of English as a second language. French is quite easy for English speakers as the two languages are closely related (from 40-50% of English vocabulary comes from French). French is an undeniable asset in the increasingly competitive world of work in the twenty-first century.

The study of French as an elective enhances boys' literacy and communication skills in both French and English. Boys learn to be effective communicators — an undeniable asset.

GERMAN

Located in the centre of Europe, Germany is the driving force behind much of the continent’s activities, whether they be cultural, business-oriented, financial, sporting or manufacturing. The German language is spoken by more people in Western Europe than any other, and remains the dominant second language of Eastern Europe. Germany is one of the founding nations of the European Union and much of its administration takes place in Germany. As the European Union is one of Australia’s largest trading partners, knowledge of its language and culture is of vital importance for the economic future of Australia. Many companies ranging from law firms to chemical companies seek to employ people with a working knowledge of German.

The study of German is an exceedingly rewarding and relevant study which opens up the world in a myriad of ways.

LATIN

Latin, in all its varying forms, is the language of the great Roman Empire, which lasted from 753BC until 476 AD, and is the language of many of the great books of world literature. It is, in fact, the common denominator that links the whole western world through a common language heritage and pattern of education. The Latin language and culture have been a font of inspiration for art, literature, education and philosophy for over two millennia, and every aspect of our political and cultural life has its roots in the Roman system.

Concerning the study of Latin, Dr Nathan M. Pusey, president of Harvard University wrote: "It remains true that no better subject for study at the secondary level has yet been found, and granted only a competent teacher, there is probably nothing that the young person planning to go to college might better put his time on".