SOCIAL IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Annotation: The fate of a nation is directly linked to the fate of its native language. Indeed, to lose one’s mother tongue is to lose the soul and history of the nation. Language plays an invaluable role in engaging with other nations, building friendships, and maintaining peace. That is why this article aims to discuss the importance of learning languages.
Keywords: Foreign languages, state language, literary works, German precision, legacy, social importance, “Who knows a language, knows a nation.”
One of the greatest achievements in human history is mastering language. It is through language that humanity built society and achieved great progress. It is known that every country has its own state language. According to the law on the state language adopted in 1992, the Uzbek language was designated as the state language of Uzbekistan. For this reason, every citizen living in independent Uzbekistan becomes literate, gains knowledge, and engages in communication in this language. However, to educate a well-rounded individual as required by our country, knowing only the state language is not sufficient. Therefore, special attention is currently being paid to learning foreign languages within the educational policy of our Republic.
In the pre-independence period of our country, the attitude toward learning foreign languages was not as important as it is today. At that time, scientific, political, economic, cultural, and other relations between countries with different languages and systems had not been established. Today, as independent Uzbekistan establishes economic, political, scientific-technical, cultural, and educational relations with foreign countries, it is necessary to instill in young people — from their school years — the understanding that learning foreign languages is a social necessity.
To achieve this goal, one can effectively use the lives and works of great scholars, the importance of knowing languages in their legacy, and the views expressed in folk proverbs about language and its social role. For example, scholars such as Abu Nasr Farabi, Ibn Sina, Nizami Ganjavi, and Alisher Navoi became renowned worldwide because they read books in several languages and translated foreign scientific and literary works. By helping children deeply feel this, it is possible to develop a passion for learning languages in them.
It can be seen from Uzbek proverbs that the Uzbek people have long paid attention to learning foreign languages. For example, the saying “Who knows a language, knows a nation” reflects the idea that if a person knows the language of another nation, they can communicate with its people, understand their qualities, and adopt useful aspects for themselves.
Every nation, of course, has its own unique characteristics, customs, and traditions. For instance, the German people are famous worldwide for their frugality and their precise approach, known as “German accuracy.” This means that economic education is given special importance in Germany. Therefore, by learning the German language and reading works about German traditions and customs, it is possible to understand the national character specific to this nation.
It is widely known in the East that in order for seekers of knowledge to become well-rounded individuals, they needed to know several languages. People who knew multiple languages had the opportunity to read literature and study scientific sources in various languages simultaneously.
In recent years, wide opportunities have been created for young people in all fields in our country. Various foundations have been established by the government, and young people are now able to study abroad and gain international experience. Such capable and talented youth are becoming role models for their peers.
In my opinion, during foreign language classes, it would be beneficial to show films about the lives, activities, and experiences of such youth, as well as how they achieved their success. This would not only inspire children to learn languages but also enrich their understanding of the value and social importance of language learning.
At present, just like in other subjects, great opportunities are being opened up for youth in learning foreign languages. Various programs have been developed to help students learn languages. Additionally, foreign language teachers are moving away from traditional methods and are organizing lessons based on innovative technologies. This allows students to communicate in a foreign language.
Due to the high social importance of learning foreign languages, a step-by-step approach to mastering foreign languages has been defined at various levels of the education system of the Republic of Uzbekistan. For example, foreign languages are taught starting from the first grade in general secondary schools. In all types of preschool educational institutions, special attention is being paid to teaching young children foreign languages through games.
Moreover, some young people continue to improve their language skills through extracurricular clubs and language learning centers outside of school hours.
Another important aspect of learning foreign languages is that the enthusiasm and interest in language learning protect youth from engaging in unnecessary or socially harmful behaviors.
Kamolova Saida
Jizzakh, Uzbekistan
