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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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<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
collaborations.<br clear="all"><br>-- <br>**************************************<br>N.b.: Listing on the lgpolicy-list is merely intended as a service to its members<br>and implies neither approval, confirmation nor agreement by the owner or sponsor of the list as to the veracity of a message's contents. Members who disagree with a message are encouraged to post a rebuttal, and to write directly to the original sender of any offensive message. A copy of this may be forwarded to this list as well. (H. Schiffman, Moderator)<br>
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