When Liverpool taxi driver Joe Cawsey invested £45 and enrolled on an ABC Plus Spanish course at the Language Learning Centre, he little thought that it would lead to his being invited to a wedding in Spain.
It began when he was flagged down by colleagues as he drove past the taxi rank near the Adelphi Hotel. The drivers were trying to understand what a Spanish family at the rank wanted. His knowledge of Spanish meant that he was able to help. 'They wanted a short tour of the city centre,' he said, 'so that they could decide where to visit properly the following day'. Joe took the family on a tour of the city's sights including the Albert Dock, the museums and the cathedrals. 'They were a really nice family', said Joe 'They took me for a drink after work and invited me, and my wife, to a wedding in Barcelona.'
Joe is convinced this shows how valuable learning a foreign language can be for anyone, because you never know when you might be able to help someone by speaking their language.
Anyone working in a job where they come into contact with tourists can take an ABC course, which is subsided by the European Commission. Details of the new course, which starts in September, may be obtained from Christine Morrison at the Language Export Centre. Tel: (0151) 794 2886.
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