The Increasing Role of English and the Learning of Other Languages

Nowadays, English is popular and important not only in developed countries but also throughout the world. Therefore, some people say that the increasing role of English in the world means that the learning of other languages is being neglected. I do not agree with this statement for the following reasons:

The learning of the other languages is not being neglected. First, let us think about French. Although French is not as common as English, many people want to learn this language. In Vietnam, there are the bilingual classes offered at primary school and high school, such as Luong Dinh Cua Primary School, Collette Junior High School, Le Hong Phong Senior High School. These classes are supported from France, there are lots of scholarships granted to good and excellent students. In some universities like HoChiMinh City University of Education, HoChiMinh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities, about 70 students are studying French. Although this figure is not very high, it proves that many students want to learn this language. Besides, a lot of places also have held activities pertaining to French. In Ho Chi Minh City, IDECAF (Institute for Cultural Exchange with France) is a good place to both learn and practise French. In the world, on March 20, French-speaking countries celebrate the International Francophone Day.

On this occasion, people take part in such events and activities as watching French films on TV and some interesting and attractive games requiring the knowledge about France and Francophone community are organized. In some universities, there are also Japanese faculty and Chinese faculty. Although a few of students take courses in these two languages, they are still existing and developing. In Youth’s Cultural House in Ho Chi Minh City, there is a Chinese club form with many interesting activities and a lot of members. Nowadays, many people come to the language center to learn these languages as their foreign languages. Moreover, learning the other languages like Orientalism, Russian, German, etc. are developing and are attracted importance. Some people want to come to these countries, so they have to study and when they come there, they will adapt themselves to new life easily. In brief, everybody does not neglect the other languages, they learn English but they learn others also.

English and other languages play the same important role in the world. English is common and important. It is really necessary to know it because you can use this language in every part of the world and the language used in all of computers is English. Actually, 80% of information on the Internet is in English. However, except some English-speaking countries, English is used like the second language. Although be known bountifully, English is used little in the developing countries. Russia is one of the countries that few of people know English. Then, if you want to work or live in Russia, you should learn Russian.

More importantly, to know many languages can help you a lot. For example, you are a businessman, you have to travel everywhere, and if you know three or four languages, you are able to communicate with foreigners. Besides, the lack of knowledge of foreign language competence diminishes the capabilities in diplomacy. Farther, in order to have more knowledge about the culture of whatever country, you should know the language the people in that country speak. It will better for you. All in all, any language has different importance and knowing foreign languages is very necessary.

In conclusion, although the role of English increases, learning the other languages is also necessary and important because each language plays its own important role in the country where it is spoken. We can see this through the movement of learning other languages. It is unwise to consider, in a limited period of time, and conclude that it is the so-called unrivalled importance of English. Other languages are not believed to be neglected or paid an appropriate attention to.