What do some of our Stage 3 boys think are the benefits of learning another language, including Chinese?

Following are some of the benefits our boys suggested about learning another language:

• It could help you when you are on a holiday or when you want to start a business or you’re overseas for work. (Lachlan)
• It’s good for overseas businesses. (Owen)
• It opens you up to many different business opportunities. (Anton)
• Business/trade and communication. (Laksh)
• It is a very important skill in life. (Henry)
• After researching for a while I figured out if you learn Mandarin, Spanish and English you can talk to 1 quarter of the world. Just think about these benefits, it’s amazing. (Nicholas)
• Scientists have proven that learning a language exercises your brain and makes your brain stronger. (Harry)

Most of the boys identified that learning a new language would be very useful if they want to do business or trade overseas (I have to admit that I did not think that far when I was their age!). Some boys suggested that it would be useful for when they go travelling or participating in exchange programs. As an IB school, we aim to develop “internationally-minded” students where learning another language is considered part of the action. Another not-so-obvious benefit is to shape and exercise the brain!

“Brain plasticity”, in plain English, means that a brain has the ability to learn, to make connections and to modify its structure as it learns. Learning different languages will help to activate different parts of the brain. If you are interested and want to know more about this, please ask your son to show you the articles we mentioned in the class. 

At Newington Lindfield, the boys have the opportunity to learn three different languages, either during school hours (Mandarin) or as part of the after school activities (Mandarin/French/Spanish). All learning is like sowing a seed in the ground, you will never know when it will sprout and flourish. We do hope that language learning provides a solid foundation for your son’s future career.

Ms Angel – LOTE Teacher