Sheikh Iraj

In this age of globalisation, learning other languages besides your native one is crucially important. Knowing more than one language not only boosts your CV, but also enhances your knowledge about the diverse cultures of the world. Today, many Bangladeshi youths are learning different foreign languages, like Chinese, Korean, French, Persian, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Arabic and Japanese, which are becoming more popular than ever before. Some are learning foreign languages to go abroad for higher education, whereas others are learning to get better work opportunities. This week, Y&I spoke with some teachers and students about the various benefits of learning other languages, and why certain foreign languages are becoming popular.  
 
Md Sykat Khan, Student

I am learning Spanish at the Institute of Modern Languages (IML) of Dhaka University (DU). I already know Bangla and English, but I have a keen desire to learn different foreign languages. I am planning that every year I will learn a new language. One of my friends took admission here to learn Italian and from him, I came know about this institute. I sat for an admission test and passed. In the exam, you have to answer different questions about Spain and its culture. I am confident that after learning Spanish, I will be able to learn other languages as well.

Imran, Student

I am basically from a madrassah background. To improve my Arabic language skills, I have come to DU’s Institute of Modern Languages. My teacher works at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia (in Dhaka); he suggested and motivated me to take admission here. I believe that after I complete my course, I will be benefited in a number of ways. For example, if I go to the Middle East I won’t have any problem communicating with the local people there. Also, I think they will charge less for my education if I know Arabic. About 450 students sat for the admission test here and primarily 197 students were selected. Finally, 59 other students and I got admission.         

Md Ariful Islam, Translator

I went to China to do my MBA. There, I had no problem communicating (in English) with people inside the university, but once I was out of the campus, I was totally helpless. If I wanted to buy food or water, I didn’t know what to say. I went through a lot of hardship in the beginning. Then I decided to learn the language. I started talking to people around me, asked my Chinese friends to help, watched countless videos online and finally, got to learn a little bit of Chinese. After coming back home, I thought my skill of knowing Chinese will come to no use. But soon enough, I saw a job advertisement in a  newspaper looking for a candidate who knew Chinese. I applied and now I am working as a translator for a Chinese company. I am happy that without having any institutional training, I am able to do this job.

Sadaf Sumyia Khan, Student

I am studying architecture at BUET and there, I came to know that compared to other countries, Japan’s architecture is different. I came to IML at Dhaka University to learn Japanese so that I can get a better idea about their architecture. I am very interested to know about Japan’s culture as well. I participated in different cultural programmes and there, I made a few Japanese friends. In order to communicate with them in their own language, I want to learn Japanese. In the admission test, general questions such as, “Why do you want to learn Japanese?” and “What do you know about the country?” are asked.

Bipul Chandra Debnath, Assistant Professor and Head of French Department, IML, DU

From last year, we have introduced a four-year Honours course in French language. Students of International Business and Tourism and Hospitality Management departments have to finish 60 hours of language course with us, otherwise, they do not receive their Honours certificate. Many tourists contact us in search of good translators and guides. In some cases, we give those particular jobs to our students as well. Many students who have completed their graduation in English come to learn French. After English, Spanish is quite popular throughout the world, so many students learn that language just out of passion.
Considering political and socio-economy factors, we have good relations with China, we also have collaboration with the Confucius Institute. China is offering many scholarships to students, and that is also another crucial factor which is inspiring students to learn Chinese. From this year, we are going to offer a four-year Honours course in Chinese and in Japanese, too.
In the Institute of Modern Languages, right now we have courses in 14 different languages, including Turkish, Arabic, Korean, Hindi, German, Persian, Italian, Russian, French, Chinese, Bengali, English and Spanish. We do not have many experts in these languages, which means there are a lot of opportunities for the youth. This year, we had about 1,500 students who took admission in different language courses. Anyone who has passed the HSC exams can come and join. It costs around Tk 5,000 to 6,000 for the entire course, it does not matter which language you choose. I, myself, came to learn French after completing my Masters degree in Mathematics.
I would advise young people who are interested in learning a foreign language to continue the practice. Learning a foreign language is not as easy as it might sound, you must have passion and devotion for it. Moreover, the Education Ministry has plans to start language centres at district levels.

Syeda Sarwat Abed, Director, Institute of Languages, BRAC University

In Bangladesh, for most of the students of urban and rural areas, English is still a second or foreign language, though they learn this language for the first 12 years of their academic studies. Hence, students struggle in terms of communicating in English when they come for higher studies and that affects their academic as well as future professional career. In fact, an overall vacuum persists in terms of the proficiency level of English and this restrains students from being globally competent.
All students of BRAC University must take English language courses for two to three semesters, according to need. Moreover, there is a pre-university English language course which prepares students, with the help of a rigorous curriculum, to gain the skills needed for getting admitted into the university.
The BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) also offers courses in languages such as French, Chinese, Korean and Spanish. BIL firmly realises the fact that learning another language, apart from English, will be an obvious advantage for students as it will expand their academic and career opportunities. The courses also bring forth success stories_ 15 students who completed  Chinese language courses from BIL got full scholarships from the Chinese government to study medicine and engineering in different universities of China. Exposure to a new language provides these individuals with the opportunity to broaden their horizons.

Md Emdad Hossain, Instructor, Bangladesh-Korea Technical Training Centre

At the Bangladesh-Korea Technical Training Centre, besides providing technical education we also teach Korean language. We have a two- month course where basic Korean is taught and anyone who has passed SSC exams can join. It costs Tk 1,200 for the entire course. The main goal of the students who come here to learn Korean is to go abroad for work. Many graduate and undergraduate students also come here to learn Korean, as it helps them to get better jobs and in some cases, it helps them to excel in their career. The reason students come here to learn is because we have qualified teachers, and the cost of the course is very low, which motivates them a lot. Every month, a new batch starts and in the latest batch, 28 students have taken admission so far.  

SM Rubyat, Lecturer, Department of English and Modern Languages, NSU

At North South University (NSU), we offer students Chinese course just like any other GED (general education) course. Considering the economy and the geopolitical situation between the two countries, learning Chinese can become quite handy. We have collaboration with the Confucius Institute, they are trying to promote Chinese culture and language here. China is providing a large number of scholarships and that is really motivating a lot of students to learn Chinese. Even in some job circulations, you will find that they want candidates who know Chinese to apply.
In our Institute of Modern Languages, we also teach French, Spanish and English, but there is no credit course on those, and anyone who has passed SSC exam can apply.
I would advise those who want to learn a foreign language to learn the basics of that particular language first. The internet is available to almost everyone now, so make the best use of it. There are a number of different materials online for learning foreign languages, learn from them. Most importantly, one needs to continue  practising. There are some coaching centres that do not have qualified teachers and as a result, students learn the incorrect version. Students should find and chose reliable sources to learn foreign languages.  

Noirit Mustapha and Benjir Abrar contributed to this article.