LEARNING languages has enabled Philippines-born Bell Boothy to travel the world, work in a foreign country and most importantly converse in the native tongue of new friends.

Mrs Boothy can speak seven languages and for the past 15 years has taught Indonesian to students across the city.

Some of her charges from Drayton State School will showcase their Indonesian skills at this Sunday's Languages and Cultures Festival at Queens Park.

"It is fun," Mrs Boothy said of learning another language.

"It keeps the mind active and you get to meet new friends.

"It also helps with travel and it really opens up opportunities."

Fellow Indonesian teacher Cecily Bisshop said learning another language also helped break down cultural barriers.

"There are 240 million people in Indonesia; 10 times the number in Australia," Ms Bisshop said.

"The middle class and its economy is really growing and there a lot of opportunities for trade."

Ms Bisshop said it also brought down the stereotypes associated with Islam, the majority religion in Indonesian.

"Children learning the Indonesian language is a huge step in forging relations between Muslims and non-Muslims locally," she said.

The Indonesian Spectacular will be held onstage at the Languages and Cultures Festival on Sunday from noon at Queens Park.

Students studying Indonesian from 11 different school will take part in the performance as well as members of the local Indonesian community.