TEASING YOUR MIND

 

Reasons to become bilingual

Being competent in English and French,

And cracking witty jokes in both languages,

What a pleasant stimulus for the mind!

What a joyous intellectual achievement!

Ideas, unlike humans, are never born naked.

They always come smartly clad in words;

French and English will provide your thoughts

With beautiful and befitting language clothing.

Languages are acquired human skills,

Which open the eyes, broaden the mind

And build bridges while reducing prejudice.

Isn’t that great?

Indeed, our early political leaders were right,

In their patriotic love, wisdom and foresight,

To adopt French and English for our nation.

Aren’t they today vindicated?

No job-seeker can deny the obvious:

English and French are invaluable keys

Which now unlock all employment doors.

Isn’t that a tap on the learner’s back

Go anywhere today, travel far and wide,

To all peoples you will relate with ease,

If your luggage is French and English.

Isn’t that a universal passport?

Using both languages functionally,

For social or professional fulfilment,

You feel like a footballer on a pitch,

Dribbling and scoring with both feet.

Isn't that wonderful?

Avoiding the hypocrisy of fake bilinguals,

Who suddenly become clumsy and hesitant

If they switch over to their second language.

Should Lopsided Bilingualism your target?

Listening, Speaking, Writing and  Reading

Are scores of the same language music,

Each requiring steady efforts prior to success.

Isn't that a rewarding experience?

Imitating the shining example from the top,

Set by officials who use English and French

In public appearances, here in our country.

Isn't that a pointer to the future?

So, the global message is loud and clear:

Whatever your position and aspirations,

Bilingualism is synonymous with Success.

Isn't that motivating?

Many more reasons can be found and given

To stimulate learners in their endeavour,

 Or in advocating for French and English:

The list is not closed after the first eleven.

 If you become one of the true bilinguals,

Who speak and feel English and French,

This is what my message for you will be:

Well done! But for an even broader mind,

Just do what I did: add Spanish!      F.Guimatsia