A POLYGLOT A VISIT FROM
Polyglot Alex Rawlings, who speaks an incredible 15 languages including Afrikaans, Greek, German and Russian, recently visited Waldegrave School to speak to Year 7 and 8 students about the importance of learning languages. Alex spoke to the students about how speaking multiple languages can enhance their lives in a number of ways, from improving job prospects to broadening their cultural horizons. He emphasised that learning a new language is not just about being able to communicate with people from different countries, but also about gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and ways of life. Alex’s talk was a valuable experience for the young students, who are at a critical age for language acquisition. Research has shown that children who learn multiple languages from a young age often perform better academically, have improved cognitive abilities, and are more likely to develop empathy and understanding for other cultures.
After the talk, Alex held a drop-in Q&A session for Year 9 to 13 students, who were able to ask him about his experiences learning multiple languages and get tips and advice for their own language learning journeys. For the older students, Alex’s visit was an opportunity to learn from someone who has achieved an impressive level of proficiency in multiple languages. They were able to gain insights into the strategies and techniques he used to learn so many languages, as well as the challenges he faced along the way. In addition to the practical benefits of learning a new language, Alex’s talk and Q&A also highlighted the personal growth and enrichment that can come from speaking multiple languages. By learning to communicate with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages, students can broaden their perspectives, gain new insights, and develop a greater appreciation for diversity. Alex’s visit to Waldegrave School was a valuable experience for the students and a reminder of the importance of language learning. Whether it’s for personal enrichment or professional development, learning a new language can open doors and help individuals connect with the world in new and meaningful ways.
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator