Jim Fleeting, Scottish Football Association 
Learning another language not only opens up employment opportunities in other countries, but it also gives you a bit of kudos with the people who speak that language.
If you can say a few basic words to a foreign player who has come to play in this country, it makes them feel more comfortable. It is all about respect.
I find it embarrassing that people speak English when we go abroad and we can say very little in their language. You miss out on a lot in social contexts when you cannot take part in the discussion because you cannot speak the language. Not only are you missing out from a cultural point of view, but in some instances, also from a professional point of view.
At school I could never have foreseen where I would end up. I have travelled extensively and met all sorts of high profile people. I only wish I had been able to speak to all of them in their own language!
Jennifer Scott, second year undergraduate at Edinburgh University
Attended St Columba’s High School, Dunfermline, now studying towards Honours degree in French and Spanish, took German ab initio course in first year.
Why I chose to study languages Standing in a little café in Tarragona as a twelve year old, trying in vain to order churros con chocolate but only being able to say what was in my pencil case, was the defining moment for me. I remember telling my parents there and then that one day I would be able to speak Spanish just like the staff working that day. My passion for languages was ignited at school and whilst I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the classroom, what I now enjoy most about learning languages is probably what is often overlooked – the journey to fluency actually goes far beyond the ability to communicate. To aspire to be multilingual allows a person access to new cultures, as well as the discovery of literature, history, media, politics and an entirely different way of life. Whilst chanting irregular verbs at school was enjoyable, the real pleasure comes with seeing a language being brought to life outside of the classroom. Learning languages provides a deep sense of satisfaction and achievement, even if a brief encounter simply included the word “merci”. I couldn’t, and still can’t conceal my curiosity when exposed to languages in real life situations. On hearing tourists speaking their native language, I take great delight in listening to the different patterns and rhythm entailed – something that I now experience regularly, living in Edinburgh. In addition to this, fluency in a language can provide many opportunities for travel across the globe. I am very grateful for the experiences languages have given me so far, and am sure they will continue doing so in the future.