The interaction Shane McInnes had on a school tour which left him ‘stunned’

Shane McInnes is questioning whether learning a second language is important after parents scoffed at a question raised by another parent about what languages the school he was touring offered.

He says he thinks it’s important for kids to learn languages, and the skill is just as important as other skills.

“I was literally stunned, I couldn’t believe that as part of giving your son or daughter a holistic education, you wouldn’t want them to learn a different language,” he said.

Press PLAY to hear his full thoughts

Professor at the school of languages and linguistics at the University of Melbourne, Professor John Hajek, says it’s more valuable than ever to have a second language.

“It’s about that social interaction translators, it’s about you being able to understand directly about what’s being said,” he said.

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