Bajans encouraged to learn other languages

Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman has underscored the importance of multilingualism, urging Barbadians to prioritise learning a second language to better position themselves in an increasingly competitive global market.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the Spanish Language and Venezuelan Culture Programme at Pelican House, Harbour Road, Blackman told participants that language proficiency expands both personal and national opportunities.

“We live in a world where ideas matter. If we are to share our ideas and our perspectives in a world that continues to change at pace, it cannot only be done in your mother tongue…by doing so you’re then limiting your prospects to that language,” he said.

Underscoring the long-standing collaboration behind the programme, Blackman praised the role it has played in strengthening cultural and linguistic ties.

“What you’ve been able to do for us here in Barbados over the last 47 years is to give our people the opportunity to learn conversational Spanish and go on even further to do great things in the language,” the minister added.

Blackman also pointed to the scale of regional impact, noting that an estimated 50,000 people across the Caribbean have benefitted from training in Spanish and Spanish culture through the initiative. 

However, he stressed that mastering a language goes beyond classroom instruction.

“The best way to learn a foreign language is immersion and understanding the culture.

“As of last year, there are 636 million Spanish speakers, representing 7.6 per cent of the global population. Spanish is the second most used language on the Internet,”  Blackman said, adding that such figures make a compelling case for multilingualism in the region.

He explained that as Barbados positions itself as a logistical and business hub, language capability will be a critical factor in attracting investment and facilitating international engagement across many industries.

“One of the things that foreign investors also look at is how the domestic population treats to being able to communicate in multiple languages,” he noted.

He said the ministry has already taken steps to strengthen language learning as part of its broader transformation agenda.

Commending the graduates, Blackman encouraged lifelong learning and applauded the diverse group of participants who completed the programme.

“Languages are not just for those at a young age…life is about learning until you leave this world,” he said. 

“I’m so happy to see here adults who are committed to learning a foreign language in different sectors of industry.”