Language

ESL discussion questions about language itself.

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  1. What is the most beautiful language in the world?
  2. Do you think there are any ugly languages? Which ones?
  3. What is the most useful language in the world to know?
  4. Which do you think is the most difficult language to learn?
  5. Is it a problem that many of the world’s languages are dying?
  6. Should everybody in the world speak the same language?
  7. Is it rude to speak your own language around people who can’t understand?
  8. Should the government control how we use language?
  9. How important is language to national identity?
  10. If you could change your first language, would you?
  11. How many languages can a single person learn in a lifetime?
  12. What three languages would you really like to speak?
  13. Is it possible to think without language?
  14. Does the language you speak affect your personality?
  15. Can machines use language?
  16. Is it possible to create an artificial language? Would it be worth it?
  17. Can animals use language? How could we test this?
  18. What happens if you don’t learn a first language as a child? Can you learn later on?
  19. Is it possible to forget your first language?
  20. Is it possible to fall in love with someone who doesn’t speak your language?
  21. Do you think your native language is changing? How do you feel about this?
PDF (Individual)
General
PDF (Pairs)
General
PDF (Threes)
General
PDF (Cards)
General
How to use the language ESL discussion questions

It is recommended that you download the language ESL discussion questions in PDF format using one of the links above. The best way to encourage classroom interaction is to download and print the language discussion questions in the 'pairs' or 'threes' PDF format and then divide the questions by cutting along the dotted lines. This allows students to take turns asking and answering the language discussion questions in groups of two or three. Alternatively, you could use the 'cards' format to distribute the questions to any number of students to ask and share.

It is advisable to prepare students for using these discussion questions by first introducing them to the topic of language in an interesting and engaging way. An anecdote, quiz question or a related image or video could all be used to achieve this. Depending on the level, it may also be necessary to pre-teach any challenging vocabulary related to language contained in the discussion questions.

For more ESL discussion questions, see this site's main page. There are discussion questions on a range of topics including general, grammar and business English topics.

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