Another Asian Language For Sarah

5.00.00pm GMT Fri 27th Jul 2007

Sarah Teather speaks up for all her constituents

While most MPs jet off abroad for the Summer break, Brent's local Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather is using the parliamentary recess to brush up her language skills so she is better able to communicate with her constituents.

Sarah, who has already had basic lessons in Gujarati, is taking an intensive two week course in Hindi at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). Spoken Hindi is understood by people from both India and Pakistan

Brent is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the country, with 55% of residents at the last census registering as being from black and ethnic minority backgrounds (compared to just 29% in London overall). The largest groups are Black or Black British (19%) and Asian or Asian British (28%).

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"Brent's diversity is one of the best things about living here. I am so proud to be part of such an exciting and unique community.

"It's important that an MP is able to represent and communicate effectively with every single one of their constituents. Lots of people aren't confident about speaking English. If you can speak a little of their language often they will try some of yours in return, which makes it much easier to communicate.

"I don't ever expect to be fluent in Hindi, but having a few words and phrases helps me to break down some of the barriers and better understand the people I represent."