Cambridge News – Gareth McPherson
“A teacher at one of Cambridge’s most diverse schools has extolled the virtues of learning another language amid rising apathy. Rachel Sharp, head of languages at Cambridge International School, said learning a foreign language improves cognitive ability, increases tolerance of other cultures and supports literacy skills in the learner’s mother tongue…Ms Sharp, who has previously taught at Sawston and Impington village colleges, said: “The world is about connectivity and the world’s problems require communication and integration. Speaking English is a great asset but this is a diminishing asset for native English speakers as other cultures embrace our language. We need to extend our boundaries, not limit them. Learning languages leads to not only enhanced cognitive ability but also a tolerance and acceptance of others. Contrary to belief, learning a new language can support literacy skills in one’s own language. Furthermore cognitive flexibility can lead onto enhanced life skills.””(more)