A new Teaching Resource for Modern Foreign Languages.

We do not learn and teach languages simply so that pupils are able to converse when they go to the country: language learning is far more than that. It is through learning a foreign language that we grow in our ability to understand our own language and culture, and for many pupils it is the first, and possibly only, opportunity to explore the world through the eyes and ears of another. It is also a time when pupils recognise that they might even be that "other". The very fact of approaching another language and culture shows that we recognise the diversity in the world - and in our own community - and are entering into that diversity. Pupils learn to develop a degree of tolerance of and interest in those around them. Learning a language is being a citizen both of the country of origin and of the new country, as pupils get to grips with the traditions, religious celebrations, school and work life (amongst other topics) in other countries. Pupils are actively using and developing those skills which are so important for active citizenship.

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