Value of learning a second tongue

She adores French and Japanese, and 15-year-old Julia Horsfield can claim mastery of the English language after winning this year's Framjee Essay Competition.

The Feilding High School year 11 student won top prize at the 52nd annual Palmerston North Rotary Club contest, with her essay about why it is important to learn a second language.

In her piece, she argued that in a shrinking world it was important to be able to communicate with other cultures – and that learning languages is good for your brain.

Judge and Manawatu Standard editor Michael Cummings said Julia's entry stood out for its precise and succinct use of language, and logical structure.

"Her argument is clearly set out and communicated with simple, uncluttered language ... Julia seems to understand that less is more, shunning flowery words and long-winded sentences that too often smother what a writer is trying to say.

"It is, in that sense, a beautifully written piece."

Yesterday, Julia said she squeezed both Japanese and French into her school timetable because they were both so interesting she couldn't choose between them.

Japanese was a "great challenge" while French "kind of clicks" for her. And when she finishes high school, international travel beckons.

"I went to France this year which was really good, and I want to get back there as soon as possible," she said.

The hardest part of essay-writing was condensing her thoughts into 600 words, while keeping it to the point, she said.

Palmerston North's Joel Rowan won second prize with his essay about the pros and cons of abolishing New Zealand's ties to the monarchy.

Boys' High's Aric Shakur came third, with his passionate attack on US President Barack Obama's winning of the Nobel Peace Prize.

There were 10 entries in this year's competition, which is open to secondary school students in the Manawatu region. The award was created in honour of Palmerston North photographer and Rotary Club member George Framjee.

- © Fairfax NZ News