Language acquisition consists of two modern language courses—language ab initio and language B—that are offered in a number of languages, and a classical languages course that is offered in Latin and Classical Greek. Owing to the nature of language study in the latter, there are specific aims for classical literature that can be found in the Classical languages guide. Language ab initio and language B are language acquisition courses designed to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where the language studied is spoken. This process allows the learner to go beyond the confines of the classroom, expanding their awareness of the world and fostering respect for cultural diversity. The two modern language courses—language ab initio and language B—develop students’ linguistic abilities through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills (as defined in the “Syllabus content” section). The classical languages course focuses on the study of the language, literature and culture of the classical world.

The main objectives of the subject are:

1. To communicate clearly and effectively in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes. 
2. To understand and use language appropriate to a range of interpersonal and/or intercultural contexts and audiences. 
3. To understand and use language to express and respond to a range of ideas with fluency and accuracy. 
4. To identify, organize and present ideas on a range of topics. 
5. To understand, analyse and reflect upon a range of written, audio, visual and audio-visual texts.