Learning a language isn’t just for Christmas – please excuse the timely phrasing. It can provide skills applicable to the rest of your life.

Some people wonder what the point of learning a second language is. They see languages as the brussel sprouts you have to endure at the edge of the plate. But they’re wrong. Modern foreign languages can be the main attraction at the fairground of life, the tasty pigs in blankets that we all remember fondly.

For a start, languages can help to get you a job - be it in translation, teaching or international business. In our increasingly globalised world, we will all need to speak different languages at some point. And learning one additional language can help you to speak to others, too. Many language skills are transferable, for example speaking German can help you get by in many other countries that have similar - but not identical – dialect. The same can be said for the relationship between Spanish, Portuguese or Italian. Of course, when you speak a foreign language you are communicating with other people, which is a skill in itself and can help you become more confident in the working world.

Hundreds of languages are spoken around the world, so if you enjoy travel and seeing other continents, speaking a foreign language can be a real boost. It can enhance your trip, help you make new friends and assist you if you end up in difficulty. So let’s celebrate languages and have fun learning them.

Learning a second language can be the cherry on top of the Christmas trifle. 

Nicola Harper, National Lead Practitioner for MFL