Why languages matter

At Pearson, we believe that learning languages can enable you to partake in and experience different cultures from across the world. An ability to speak various languages can widen your personal understanding of different people and their ways of life, and further expand the relationships you foster.

That’s why we’re committed to helping learners understand the relevance of languages in today’s world, and the many opportunities they offer.

Front page of Unlocking Culture infographic

Unlocking cultures

At Pearson, we believe languages are important in setting the foundations for communication across a wide variety of cultures and building a bridge of understanding. Languages play a key role in fostering relationships and sparking new dialogue across the world today.

You can find out more information on what the general public had to say on the relationship between languages and culture.

Explore the infographic

If you still haven't completed our survey yet, don't worry - we still would love to hear your thoughts on the role languages play in the preservation of your culture.

Complete the survey

Where can learning a language take you?

We're keen to explore how language learning enables you to experience an endless array of new cultures from across the world and harness new skills that are valuable to the development of not only yourself, but also your future career opportunities.

Have a look at our short videos and PDF to find out how language learning can benefit your life!

Mark Pallis

Mark studied at LSE and Cambridge and was originally a barrister and occasional contributor to the Guardian and The Times. He switched to the creative sector after devising the award-winning BBC drama Garrow’s Law and acting as
Story Editor over its four series. Since then, Mark has built up 15 years’ experience in communication, branding and storytelling.

He now works as a civil servant, writer, and creative producer. He also runs http://www.NeuWestendPress.com and is the author of the popular Fabulous Lost and Found language learning stories. His new language learning book series, Lingo Dingo, is released this summer. All details are on http://www.markpallis.com.

Sue Leschen

Sue Leschen is a lawyer – linguist specialising in legal and business French interpreting and translation. Her company “Avocate” is based in Manchester, UK.

She actively supports the use of professionally qualified, insured, experienced and security vetted interpreters and translators.

Ayo Awotona

Born in 1993, Ayo is a renowned international public speaker, author, educator, self-taught Spanish speaker, and digital content creator. Being regularly cited as a highly engaging and relatable facilitator, speaker and role model to young women, Ayo’s core message is based on self-worth - focusing primarily on growth mindset and confidence building. This originated from her real-life experiences of dealing with body image dysmorphia and low self-esteem.

Ayo has empowered well over 30,500 young people, parents and educators across the United Kingdom, Central America and Nigeria through delivering high impact workshops, assemblies and keynote speeches and continues to reach out to other young people across the world.

Our conversation with Stephen Fry

British actor, writer, and broadcaster, Stephen Fry, shares his language learning journey throughout school and how speaking multiple languages has affected his life, both personally and professionally.

Download the full story (PDF, 0.3 MB)