Observe the image above and, in pairs, discuss the diversity of a single word ‘language.’ Translate it and find a word in the image which is similar to your translation. In your group, ask and answer which (foreign) languages you and your friends can speak.
I'd like to say |
a few words to you. |
|
Can you tell |
the difference between languages. |
|
Don't you ever speak |
to me like that again. |
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It must be hard to live with people who talk |
nineteen to dozen, talk too quickly. |
Speaking other languages besides our own helps us to better understand other people and cultures, but no doubt our mother tongue is the basic part of our identity. Read more about the importance of languages below.
Language is the most important aspect in the life of all beings. We use language to express inner thoughts and emotions, to make sense of complex and abstract thoughts, to learn to communicate with others, to fulfil our wishes and needs, as well as to establish rules, and to maintain our culture.
Language will often be referred to as verbal behaviour, which is language that includes gestures and body movements, as well as spoken words. When we define language we should not exclude symbols and gestures. If we exclude these from our definition, we will be denying the language of the deaf community. All human languages share basic characteristics, some of which are organizational rules and the ability to produce an infinite number of sentences using a limited set of rules and words.