新西兰英语 650 International Languages Week

 　　This week, from Aug 19th to Aug 25th, is International Languages Week. During this week, the Association of Language Teachers reminds New Zealanders about the value of learning an international language.

　　Many New Zealanders are not motivated enough to learn a second language. It is hard and they don’t feel it is necessary. Some language departments at universities have closed because there is so little interest. Now the Ministry¹ of Education is trying to encourage 11 and 12 year olds. In Years 7 and 8, school students have an introduction to a foreign language – often a European language. Because we do not have enough language teachers, the class teacher and students learn together, using books and tapes.

　　However, from Year 9 – the first year at high school – schools have to offer a second language and they have qualified² teachers to teach these languages. There are NCEA qualifications for students in French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Latin as well as Samoan, Tongan and Maori. However, only a small number of students choose to continue with a second language from Year 11.

　　Universities and Polytechs also offer classes in foreign languages and culture. Auckland University offers 14 languages, including Latin and Ancient Greek. They include Russian and Italian amongst the European languages.

　　Vocabulary

　　?value – importance, usefulness

　　?motivated – interested and keen to learn

　　?qualified teachers – know the language and are trained to teach

　　Questions

　　?Why are so many New Zealanders not motivated to learn a second language?

　　?What is the value of learning a second language?

1 ministry   

n.(政府的)部；牧师

参考例句：

• They sent a deputation to the ministry to complain.他们派了一个代表团到部里投诉。
• We probed the Air Ministry statements.我们调查了空军部的记录。

2 qualified   

adj.合格的，有资格的，胜任的，有限制的

参考例句：

• He is qualified as a complete man of letters.他有资格当真正的文学家。
• We must note that we still lack qualified specialists.我们必须看到我们还缺乏有资质的专家。