Behnaz Akhgar

Behnaz Akhgar

Occupation: BBC Wales Weather Presenter
Languages: Farsi and English

 

What is your work at present? Have you done any other jobs?

I am currently working as a Weather Presenter for BBC Wales's television, radio and internet output. I have done all sorts of jobs from working behind bars to picture editing.

What are the pros and cons of working in the media?

I love the idea that people tune in to listen or see the weather forecast. They plan their day or week around what we have to say. It's a big responsibility but I enjoy it.

The most difficult part is the unsociable hours. Waking up at 4am can be challenging especially during the winter months.

Which languages do you speak, and where did you learn them?

I speak Farsi and English. Farsi is my first language; I was born and brought up in Shiraz (Iran). I moved to Swansea when I was 10 and that's where I learnt English.

Where do you use your Farsi, and with whom do you speak the language?

I use Farsi with my family and friends. It's very handy in tricky situations to just say something in another language which most people don't really understand. One time we had a window salesman trying to force a sale on to my sister and me. I quickly said something to my sister in Farsi which we used as a plan to get rid of him. Very handy trick if you have another language.

Do you think being bilingual gives you different experiences or a different outlook on life?

Definately, learning other languages gives a head start in most careers. It's also a good way of learning about other cultures. If you love travelling like me, it's so handy to have another language. It also makes you realize, there is a whole other world out there apart from the one we live in.

Which language(s) would you like to learn in future, and why?

I really really want to learn Spanish. I travel a lot to Spain and South America and I always want to be able to have a heart to heart with the locals in their language. I remember we went to Seville a few years back where the locals didn't really speak English. It would have been a tough trip but thanks to my cousin who speaks Spanish we were able to have a wonderful time. We met some really great people which wouldn't have been possible without my cousin.

Do you like to travel? What are your favorite places?

I go away at least three times a year. I love going to California, Cuba, Mexico and Italy. California is where I have a lot of family so I mainly go to visit them. Italy in my favorite country in Europe, I love the food, culture and the sites.

What would you say to year 9 pupils at school who are about to drop their foreign language?

Well when I was in year 9 I was learning English so it was tough to learn another language too. If I could go back to year 9 again I would 100% take Spanish or French. If you wish to have a great career and travel abroad when you finish school having a language will be very useful. Not only will it make life easier but it will also make the experience of going abroad much more memorable.

If you have any other thoughts you'd like to add, please do!

Learn as many languages as you can whilst you are young as when you get older it gets much tougher. Pick a country or culture that you are passionate about then learn the language. When you're done with studying, go and visit the country and show off your new skill. Good luck and enjoy it, it's meant to be fun.

 

 

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