As someone from an ethnic and linguistic minority, I welcome the growth in the learning of, and examinations in, community languages (“New fronts in the battle for minority languages”, 14 October).

Knowing a second foreign language at an early age in addition to English brings great educational benefits. In most OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, learning another language (usually English) is standard practice, and a second foreign language is increasingly common as well. The unwillingless of English speakers to converse in at least one foreign language can cause resentment.

So long as learning an additional language does not become a substitute for knowing how to speak, read and write English, foreign languages should be seen as an important asset to the country.

Shouvik Datta, Orpington, Kent.