The first in a series of four free public information sessions aimed at promoting languages and language education to students, parents, teachers and the general public, launches next week.
The Take the plunge: learn a new language! public information session explores the cognitive, health, social and economic benefits of language learning.
Developed and run by the Modern Language Teachers' Association of Western Australia, the information session is part of Languages in the Mainstream, a 12-month program created in response to a decreasing number of language students within mainstream schools and the increasing importance of languages to WA's social and economic prosperity.
The Languages in the Mainstream program is supported by the Liberal National Government with $80,000 via the Office of Multicultural Interests' Community Languages Program.
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan said the Government recognised the value of the diversity of languages spoken in this State and was committed to maximising the benefits of language diversity for the whole community.
"Language skills are imperative in our globally connected world, whatever stage of life we may be at," Dr Nahan said.
"Currently there are about 270 languages spoken in WA and more than one in 10 WA students speak a language other than English at home.
"Being multilingual is a huge advantage and opens up a wealth of opportunities as well as delivering social and economic benefits to the State."
The information sessions will build on the Liberal National Government's recent commitment to focus on language programs in WA schools and the redevelopment of the Community Languages Program.
Fact File
Take the plunge: learn a new language! free public information session will be held on Tuesday, November 1 from 5-7pm at the State Library of Western Australia
The Modern Language Teachers' Association of Western Australia is the peak professional body for language teachers in WA, representing registered language teachers and community language teachers
More information about the Office of Multicultural Interests' Community Languages Program is available at http://www.omi.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 6552 5700
