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                        <h1>The British Academy's language programme</h1>
                
                                        <p>Launched
 in 2011, the programme reflects the Academy's longstanding concerns 
about the deficit in language learning in UK education. It funds 
research and initiatives that promote best practice, and seeks to 
influence language policy</p>
                
                
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                                                        <img src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2013/8/14/1376467597939/speech-bubble-with-text-006.jpg" alt="speech bubble with text" height="276" width="460">
                                                                                <div>British Academy funds 
research and initiatives that promote best practice, and seeks to 
influence language policy Photograph: British Academy</div>
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            <p>The Academy has repeatedly stressed that language scholarship is
 a long-term investment: for the individual, for research, for 
competitiveness and for society at large. In 2011, the British Academy 
launched a four-year programme to address the skills deficit in language
 learning in UK education and research. The programme is seeking to 
supply leadership to help strengthen skills in these vital areas. We do 
this through funding research and relevant initiatives, and seeking to 
influence policy in these areas.</p><p>There is strong evidence that the
 UK is suffering from a growing deficit in foreign language skills at a 
time when globally the demand is expanding. The problem relates to the 
range and nature of languages being taught at all levels, as well as the
 way in which employers respond to the weak supply of these skills.</p><p>The
 Academy, alongside many others, has repeatedly called for action to 
address severe skills shortages in languages – within the humanities and
 social sciences and more widely.</p><p>The skills deficits are largely 
rooted in the way that these 2 areas are taught (from school, through to
 university and beyond) – but also in the way that they/their importance
 is understood more widely.</p><p>Our language programme engages in:</p>-
 High level activity working with key stakeholders with the aim of 
facilitating greater change and deepening awareness within relevant 
communities; and<br>- Identifying and promoting best practice, and supporting research and scholarship in language learning in the UK.<br>  <br>The
 British Academy's language work includes: fellowships, scholarships and
 grants (largely delivered through the Academy's existing schemes); 
policy reports, statements and events; prizes, partnerships and 
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