The topic “describe a foreign language you admire” is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing cultural appreciation and linguistic diversity. This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about languages. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you speak any foreign languages?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. I’ve been learning French for about five years now. I started learning it in high school and continued through university. I find it to be a beautiful and melodious language, and I’m particularly fascinated by its rich cultural heritage. While I’m not fluent yet, I can hold basic conversations and understand quite a bit when I watch French movies or listen to French music.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a foreign language you admire
You should say:
- What the language is
- How you know about this language
- Why you admire it
- And explain if you would like to learn this language
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“The foreign language I admire is Japanese. I first came across Japanese through anime and manga when I was a teenager. Since then, I’ve been fascinated by it.
I admire Japanese for several reasons. Firstly, its writing system is incredibly unique, with three different scripts – hiragana, katakana, and kanji. This complexity makes it both challenging and intriguing. Secondly, I find the politeness levels in Japanese really interesting. The way they have different forms of speech depending on the social context is something I haven’t seen in many other languages.
Moreover, I’m impressed by how Japanese can express complex ideas very concisely. Sometimes, a single word in Japanese might need a whole sentence to explain in English. This efficiency in communication is truly admirable.
I would definitely like to learn Japanese. Not only would it allow me to enjoy Japanese media without subtitles, but it would also give me a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. I believe learning Japanese would be a rewarding challenge and open up new opportunities for me, both personally and professionally.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The foreign language I hold in high regard is Arabic. My fascination with this language began during a cultural exchange program I participated in during my university years, where I had the opportunity to interact with several native Arabic speakers.
What I find particularly captivating about Arabic is its rich historical significance and its profound impact on world civilization. Arabic has been the vessel for transmitting knowledge in various fields, from mathematics to astronomy, during the Islamic Golden Age. The language’s intricate calligraphy is not just a form of writing but an art form in itself, reflecting the deep connection between language and aesthetics in Arabic culture.
Furthermore, I’m in awe of the linguistic complexity of Arabic. Its root-based morphology, where words are formed from three-consonant roots, creates a fascinating system of interconnected meanings. This feature allows for nuanced expression and poetic flexibility that is unparalleled in many other languages. The way Arabic can convey abstract concepts and emotions with such precision and beauty is truly remarkable.
I am wholeheartedly committed to learning Arabic. Beyond the practical benefits of being able to communicate with millions of Arabic speakers worldwide, I believe that mastering Arabic would offer me a unique lens through which to view the world. It would grant me access to a wealth of literature, philosophy, and cultural insights that are often lost in translation. Moreover, in our increasingly globalized world, having a deep understanding of Arabic and the cultures it represents would be invaluable for fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How long do you think it would take to become fluent in this language?
- What challenges do you anticipate in learning this language?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Achieving fluency in Arabic would likely be a long-term commitment, possibly taking several years of dedicated study. The U.S. Foreign Service Institute categorizes Arabic as one of the most challenging languages for English speakers to learn, estimating around 2200 class hours to reach professional working proficiency.
The main challenges I anticipate include mastering the unique phonetics of Arabic, particularly sounds that don’t exist in English, and becoming comfortable with the right-to-left writing system. Additionally, the vast vocabulary and the concept of root-based word formation would require significant effort to internalize. However, I believe these challenges are part of what makes learning Arabic such a rewarding experience.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: “How do you think learning a foreign language impacts a person’s understanding of their own culture?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Learning a foreign language can profoundly impact one’s understanding of their own culture in several ways. Firstly, it provides a point of comparison, allowing individuals to see their native language and culture from an outside perspective. This comparative lens can highlight unique aspects of one’s own culture that might have been taken for granted.
Moreover, the process of learning a new language often involves studying the associated culture, which can lead to reflection on one’s own cultural norms and values. For instance, when learning about politeness levels in Japanese, an English speaker might become more aware of how politeness is expressed in their own language and culture.
Additionally, grappling with concepts that are difficult to translate can illuminate cultural-specific ideas embedded in one’s native language. This realization can deepen appreciation for the nuances of one’s own linguistic and cultural heritage.
Ultimately, I believe that learning a foreign language broadens one’s worldview, making individuals more aware of both the universality of human experience and the beautiful diversity of its expression across cultures.”
Global Language Learning and Cultural Understanding
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The process of acquiring a foreign language serves as a powerful catalyst for introspection and cultural self-awareness. When we immerse ourselves in a new linguistic framework, we inadvertently hold a mirror up to our own cultural paradigms, often revealing aspects of our native culture that we had previously overlooked or accepted without question.
This linguistic juxtaposition can be particularly illuminating when we encounter concepts or grammatical structures in the target language that are absent or expressed differently in our mother tongue. For instance, the absence of grammatical gender in English becomes starkly apparent when learning a language like Spanish or Arabic, prompting reflection on how this linguistic feature might influence perceptions of gender in different societies.
Furthermore, the act of learning a foreign language often necessitates a deep dive into the associated culture’s history, literature, and social norms. This exploration invariably leads to comparative analysis, encouraging learners to examine their own cultural heritage through a more critical and appreciative lens. It’s akin to stepping outside of one’s own cultural ‘bubble’ and gaining a bird’s-eye view of both the learned and native cultures.
Perhaps most profoundly, engaging with a foreign language can highlight the inextricable link between language and thought patterns. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which posits that the structure of a language influences its speakers’ worldview, comes into sharp focus when learners find themselves thinking differently in the target language. This experience can prompt a reevaluation of how one’s native language might shape their perception of reality.
In essence, learning a foreign language not only bridges the gap between cultures but also serves as a powerful tool for cultural introspection and self-discovery. It fosters a more nuanced understanding of one’s own cultural identity, encouraging a balance between cultural pride and global citizenship.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Linguistic diversity /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk daɪˈvɜːrsəti/ (noun phrase): The variety of languages spoken in a specific geographic area or in the world as a whole.
Example: “The linguistic diversity of India is astounding, with over 1600 languages spoken across the country.”Phonetics /fəˈnetɪks/ (noun): The study and classification of speech sounds.
Example: “Mastering the phonetics of Mandarin Chinese, including its tones, can be challenging for English speakers.”Cultural nuances /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈnjuːɑːnsɪz/ (noun phrase): Subtle differences in meaning, expression, or behavior in different cultures.
Example: “Understanding cultural nuances is crucial when communicating in a foreign language.”Idiomatic expressions /ˌɪdiəˈmætɪk ɪkˈspreʃənz/ (noun phrase): Phrases that have a meaning different from the literal meanings of the words used.
Example: “Learning idiomatic expressions is essential for sounding natural in any language.”Linguistic relativity /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk ˌreləˈtɪvəti/ (noun phrase): The idea that the structure of a language affects its speakers’ worldview or cognition.
Example: “The concept of linguistic relativity suggests that learning a new language can actually change how we perceive the world.”
Examiner’s Advice: To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a foreign language you admire, focus on providing detailed explanations and personal insights. Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and idiomatic expressions. Structure your responses logically, and try to connect your ideas to broader themes such as cultural appreciation, cognitive benefits of bilingualism, or global communication. Most importantly, practice speaking on various topics regularly to improve your fluency and confidence.
For more practice, you might want to describe a person who loves traveling or describe a famous historical figure you would like to learn more about. These topics can help you develop your language skills in different contexts, enhancing your overall performance in the IELTS Speaking test.