Which languages do you speak?

English and Welsh fluently, a little Turkish, a little more French, basic Spanish and basic British Sign Language.

Why did you decide to learn Turkish?

I lived in Istanbul for 9 months in 1997, therefore through learning the language I was able to communicate with my friends and colleagues. Also, in my opinion, it is important to learn the language of a small country as it shows respect. It also makes your experience in that country more pleasurable.

Was it a difficult language to learn?

To tell the truth, it isn't such a difficult language. My students helped me a great deal- I was teaching English to them and they tried to teach Turkish to me!

Has learning other languages improved your life? If so,in what ways?

Yes, definately. I believe strongly that learning a new language broadens your horizons and that is certainly true in my case. It has also meant that I have more great memories from travelling in different countries, for example buying fruit in a market in India, trying to chat to people behind the bar in Thailand, shopping in the grand bazaar in Istanbul and meeting my friends' parents, attempting to speak to children in a school in Bangladesh and singing songs in Bengali with them.

Would you recommend learning languages to other young people?

Definitely. - it is fun, it enriches your life and it can also help you professionally, but above all it broadens your horizons. Go for it - the more languages you can speak - the better!

What is the best way of learning a new language?

For me, the best way is to live in the country and to try to communicate and practice with native speakers. If you can't do this- attend classes which use the suggestopedia method - it is excellent!

In your opinion, is it easier for children and young people to learn a language than it is for adults?

I believe that children worry less about making mistakes than adults. A lack of confidence and readiness to try and speak another language is the biggest obstacle as it can hold someone back.

Has the fact that you are already bilingual been a help to you when learning other languages?

Yes, I believe that I understand the concept of not translating every word literally.