The ability to speak more than one language informs many writers of fiction, but analysis of Booker Prize shortlists suggests this is not so important any more.
In their early years, children have the ability to accurately produce all sounds of all languages, to mimic a near-perfect accent, which makes it an optimal time for learning a second language.
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Coverage of a new study suggests it’s impossible to become fluent in a foreign language after age ten. But that’s deeply misleading – and not what the study found.
Hosting sporting events to spark an interest in language and culture is known as ‘soft diplomacy’.
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There is usually a historical reason why schools teach certain languages. But as new economies emerge, such languages may no longer be the best ones to learn.
Black South African students need fewer excuses and more support from universities.
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Students from South Africa’s public school system battle to cope with the rigorous demands of any university degree without genuine, committed support.
Learning a language in a classroom is best for early teenagers.
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Child refugees need to have access to quality language programs so they have a chance at doing well at school - and teachers also need to be given appropriate training.
The idea of a ‘native speaker’ creates bias.
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Babies first learn to recognize the rhythm and intonation of language. The process begins in the womb, where the intonation patterns are transmitted to the baby through the fluids.
School pupils can learn far more about modern languages than just words with the support of mentoring.
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