The family way (From Halesowen News)

The family way

7:00am Saturday 25th September 2010 in NewsXtra

Lisa Salmon looks at the weird, wonderful and sometimes weary world of family life.

Many parents who didn't try hard to learn a language at school now regret it, and hope their children will be more successful than they were with linguistics.

But now that studying a foreign language to GCSE level or the equivalent isn't compulsory in schools, the number of older pupils studying languages has slumped.

While there is more foreign language teaching in primary schools these days, the fear is that if children don't continue their language studies after the age of 14, future generations of Britons will be increasingly monolingual.

In a bid to encourage more people, including children, to learn a language and halt Britain's linguistic decline, the European Day of Languages on September 26 is being used to highlight the benefits of language learning.

CILT, the National Centre for Languages, is spearheading the drive in Britain, where numerous European Day of Languages events will be held, including festivals celebrating multicultural diversity, language classes and fun days.

Tamzin Caffrey, CILT's head of marketing, says some teenagers aren't taking exams in foreign languages because they think it'll be hard to get an 'A'.

"I think that's a real shame," she says.

"It's such an important skill - it widens your horizons and gives you so many opportunities all around the world."

"There are huge advantages to it outside of exam results."

She says mums and dads who regret not learning a language when they were younger should convey that regret to their children so they don't find themselves in the same situation later in life.

Parents can encourage their kids to learn a language as early in life as possible, when they have an openness to it and are excited about it.

Caffrey stresses: "Young children don't have that lack of self-confidence that you have as you get older.

"They don't worry about making mistakes, and they get really excited about being able to say things in another language, as well as getting inspired by the cultural aspect of it."

She says that although it's a case of the younger the better for language learning, that doesn't mean putting a child into a bilingual nursery, or having private tuition at the age of five.

Instead, merely exposing children to other languages whenever possible, be that on holiday or perhaps through books, will help.

She says parents should reinforce the value of language learning, and help children understand that language skills aren't just about being an interpreter or a teacher, but that having a language will help in any career, and in many other aspects of life.

However, many parents don't encourage their children to study languages because they believe English is spoken by most people around the world.

But the reality is that 75% of the world's population don't speak any English at all.

"It's incredibly arrogant of us to say we'll just let other people speak our language," Caffrey says.

"You miss out on so much by being dependent on people speaking your language."

As far as business is concerned, studies show that customers are more likely to buy from someone who speaks their language, and job prospects are better for young people who can speak another language.

Bob Shankly, human resources director of BMW, explains: "Employees with language skills are definitely more marketable and have more worth in the labour market."

Although China's growing economic power has prompted an increase in GCSE Chinese entries, and even a few primary schools starting to teach the language, Caffrey says the language a child learns isn't too important.

"It's not about which language, it's about the skills they develop," she explains.

"For young children, it doesn't really matter which language they learn, because what they get from learning any language is awareness of how it works.

"They get an appreciation of their ability to use another language, and a real stepping stone to be able to learn in the future."

With regards to which language older children should learn, she says it's worth bearing in mind what employers are looking for.

Those who've learned Spanish, German or French have much more opportunity to travel and speak the language, she says.

"At the moment, from an employer's point of view, they want people with French and German."

"They're struggling to get people with those languages."

However, she stresses: "The best thing a parent can do is to encourage their child to follow the language they're enthusiastic about, with an informed bubble around that about what the value and the benefits of the language are."

She adds: "Learning a language broadens your horizons, and if you've got language skills it makes you more employable.

"Surely that's what parents want for their children."

:: For more information about the European Day of Languages, visit: http://edl.ecml.at. For information on languages in careers, visit: www.languageswork.org.uk.

Ask the expert Q: "My toddler was choking and I didn't know what to do, but my friend cleared the obstruction. I feel terrible for not being able to save my child - but if I had first aid lessons, how long would it take, and what would they teach me?"

A: Joe Mulligan, head of First Aid Education at the British Red Cross, says: "First aid is quick and easy to learn."

"For example, we can show you in just a few minutes what to do if your toddler choked again. Effective back blows - basically hitting him between his shoulder blades with the heel of your hand - will cure the majority of choking incidents."

"We've teamed up with Tesco Baby & Toddler Club for their BabySafe campaign - a series of free seminars across the UK from October to March. British Red Cross experts will be present to teach basic first aid skills which could save a child's life."

"The two-hour session will cover topics including choking, resuscitation and meningitis and will also give you the chance to practise techniques on baby mannequins."

"Resuscitation isn't as complicated as many people think - if your child stops breathing, by simply giving compressions to the chest with two fingers for a baby or one or two hands for a child, and calling an ambulance, you'll be helping to keep your child alive."

"Should you suspect any signs of meningitis, such as the child shielding their eyes, or complaining of a stiff neck, seek medical advice straight away and keep the child cool by giving fluids."

"Unlike other rashes, the meningitis rash may not fade when pressed under a glass. If medical advice is delayed call 999/112 for emergency help."

"By just knowing a few simple steps, many child emergency situations can be resolved. The important thing is to remain calm."

:: Visit www.tesco.com/babyclub or call 01733 385 174 to find local BabySafe seminars, or contact the British Red Cross on 0844 871 1111, www.childrenfirstaid.redcross.org.uk for details on their courses.

Organised bath fun :: Wilko Play Willie the Whale Willie is a multi-activity floating whale bath toy with a whale boat and skipper, suitable for ages 12 months and over. Available from Wilkinson stores nationwide, £4.97.

:: OXO Tot Whale Pail Designed to make life easy for parents and fun for kids, the Whale has a wide mouth that scoops up and stores bath toys, with a clear front showing the toys inside, and suction pads to hold it to the wall. Available at Amazon.co.uk, £20.

:: Munchkin Corner Bath Organiser Tuck the bath toys away in the corner with this organiser, made from mildew-resistant neoprene material and with a drain hole to keep toys dry. Available from selected Asda and Wilkinson stores nationwide, £7.99.