My guess is that most native
speakers of English are lazy when
it comes to foreign languages. We
know English is the main language
of international business, and that
in most countries the locals are able
to speak at least a bit of English.
I’ve never lived in a foreign country
and I’m not great at languages, but
I do think it’s important to make
an effort with them when you’re
travelling abroad.
Leila
I’ve started learning two foreign
languages and found that I’ve really
enjoyed them. Two years ago I
started learning French, just as a
hobby, and six months ago I started
learning Hindi because I have
friends from India and next month
I’m going there to meet them. It’s
difficult, but also really interesting.
My friend Susan is studying
Mandarin, which is pretty unusual.
Because China is growing so fast as
an economic power, she believes
that in English-speaking countries it
won’t be long before there are more
kids studying Mandarin in school
than French or German.
Paul
I’m fourteen years old and I go
to school in Manchester in the
north of England. I study two
foreign languages, Spanish and
French. They’re not my favourite
subjects, but sometimes they can be
interesting enough, like when we
learn slang words, or vocabulary to
do with sport and music. But I don’t
like all the grammar – I can’t get my
head round all those rules.
When I went to Spain on holiday last
month I was able to ask for meals in
a restaurant and also understood a
little bit of Spanish TV – I was
quite
proud of myself.
Juliette
I teach French and Spanish at a
school in Baku, so
obviously I’m
fluent in both languages. I like my
job, although sometimes it can
be a bit
frustrating. It would be
good if the students cared more
about foreign languages – lots of
businesses say they want people
who can speak European languages,
but young people don’t seem to
realize that speaking another
language can improve their job
prospects.
AUDIO SCRIPT 4
1. The concert was short.
However,
it was very good.
2. I was unaware of his
existence
until today.
3. I find it
frustrating that I can’t
speak other languages.
4. It was a real team
effort, everyone
contributed something to the
success of the project.
5. Dan is
obviously a man of very
high intelligence.
6. Artificial flowers can sometimes
look better than the real thing.
7. We should
maintain friendly
relations with them.
8. Please
confirm your telephone
message by writing to me.