People learn to speak in a natural way, but they must be taught to write. Spoken language comes from sounds that form words and sentences, which have a certain meaning. We use language to express our ideas and feelings. Words can describe things, objects or actions. Some words are used to connect parts of a sentence. Languages have rules, called grammar. Sometimes grammar is easier, at other times people find it hard to learn all the rules of a language. 

Thousands of languages have developed around the world during history. They all use different sounds and different words. Almost all languages are influenced by other languages and borrow words from them. Kindergarten, for example, is a word borrowed from German.

Written languages use an alphabet to form words and sentences. The Latin alphabet is the most popular, used by many important languages. Other languages, for example Chinese and Arabic  use other writing systems. 


Chinese language : Hanyu

"w:Chinese Language" and alternative name in Chinese
Image:User:Cangjie6, Public domain,
via Wikimedia Commons 



Words

  • borrow = here: take from another language
  • certain = special, only one
  • connect = link
  • develop = grow
  • express = say and tell others what you are thinking
  • influence = affect, shape, change
  • popular = common, widespread
  • rule =something that you are allowed to say in a language because it is correct
Last modified: Wednesday, 20 May 2026, 4:19 PM