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<div class="gmail-left"><div class="gmail-full"><div><h1 class="gmail-skills-and-training gmail-the-house">Kinnock: We need a Chief Government Linguist to promote modern languages</h1>
                                        <div class="gmail-meta">
                                <div class="gmail-byline"><span>Written by:</span> <ul><li>Stephen Kinnock MP</li></ul><ul><li>The House Magazine</li></ul></div>                             <div class="gmail-date"><span><div class="gmail-label-inline">Posted On: </div></span><strong>26th November 2018</strong></div>                    </div>
                                 

                                        <div class="gmail-intro">
                                <p>If the UK is to talk – and be heard – around the world in the 
post-Brexit era we need a voice in government that is dedicated to 
modern languages, says Stephen Kinnock MP.  </p>
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                                <img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_500,w_1120/v1/polhome/logos/modern_languages__sdy5bv.jpg" alt="At a time when the UK is arguably at its most multicultural, and multilingual, we need to harness the language skills that exist on our doorstep, writes Stephen Kinnock" title="At a time when the UK is arguably at its most multicultural, and multilingual, we need to harness the language skills that exist on our doorstep, writes Stephen Kinnock">
                                                                                        
                                                At a time when the UK is arguably at its most multicultural, and 
multilingual, we need to harness the language skills that exist on our 
doorstep, writes Stephen Kinnock<div class="gmail-label-inline">Credit: </div>PA Images                                                                          
                                                                                

                        
                
                                        <div class="gmail-content">
                                <p>Languages are a vital part of our society and economy and yet their importance is neglected and overlooked.</p>

<p>Being able to speak directly to those we deal with is an essential 
part of being a global citizen. But in the United Kingdom, the number 
studying a language is declining year after year.</p>

<p>The highly developed intercultural skills that come with learning 
another language are absolutely vital for successful trade and 
diplomacy, peace-making and peacekeeping. But the subject has no 
dedicated advocate in government.  </p>

<p>Despite their importance, it's a sad fact that modern languages 
continue to face a major threat in the UK, with numbers across 
educational sectors in decline.</p>

<p>In summer 2018 just 3,000 students sat German A-levels, which 
represents a drop of 16 per cent on last year and a 45 per cent fall 
since 2010. French, which is traditionally the most popular language in 
schools, has also suffered a steep decline.</p>

<p>It is a tragic situation that we cannot allow to 
continue, otherwise we face the very real prospect of losing these 
skills just at the time when they are more essential than ever.</p>

<p>The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in a report released this month, <em>Educating for Business</em>,
 singled out the need to get language teaching “right” as essential to 
achieving the government’s ambition for a Global Britain.</p>

<p>I believe that we need a Chief Government Linguist to take control of
 the situation: a civil service role that can coordinate and support 
policy in relation to languages. They will be a recognisable ‘go 
to’ position identified with languages with the ability to influence 
policy; someone who can think strategically and work across departments.</p>

<p>Currently, despite many positive initiatives to boost languages, 
policy relating to languages appears fractured and needs someone to 
guide it at a central level.</p>

<p>All too often languages are pigeon-holed as being the responsibility 
of the Department for Education, when in fact the ability to communicate
 effectively across the globe is vital in many departments, from the 
Ministry of Defence to the Department for International Development.</p>

<p>We need someone who can provide that overview and help Britain enjoy the remarkable benefits of better language skills.</p>

<p>Research work funded by Government through the £16million Open World 
Research Initiative managed by the Arts and Humanities Research Council 
(AHRC) will explore the way learning languages has the power to improve 
our society – and even our health.</p>

<p>For example, studies have shown that there are significant cognitive 
benefits to speaking more than one language. There is clear evidence 
that bilingualism can stall dementia for around four years and can 
dramatically improve stroke recovery. Evidence is also beginning to 
emerge that learning and practising a language later in life can also 
bring important cognitive benefits.</p>

<p>And yet there is still no UK-wide languages policy, as language is a devolved matter. <br>
<br>
At a time when the UK is arguably at its most multicultural, and 
multilingual, we need to harness the language skills that exist on our 
doorstep and at the same time recognise that modern languages have a 
value and importance in our contemporary society, helping social 
cohesion and developing cultural awareness.</p>

<p>The world is changing, fast. The 21st-century economy will provide 
opportunities for curious, culturally aware citizens with broad 
communication skills.</p>

<p>An appreciation of modern languages can help underpin that 
outward-looking mentality. But we need to act now, as it’s hard to turn 
the tap on when languages infrastructure disappears. Linguists are not 
made overnight.</p>

<p>I am asking my fellow Parliamentarians to give some thought to the 
value of languages, and what the UK would lose if they disappear.</p>

<p>We can take action and for a modest investment ensure there is 
someone that makes sure issues around languages are better supported at 
an official level. </p>

<p><em>I will be sponsoring an event on Wednesday 28<sup>th</sup> in the
 Jubilee Room between 4-5pm showcasing modern languages research, and 
discussing issues facing languages in the UK. I would encourage 
parliamentary colleagues to come along and learn more from a range of 
researchers and stakeholders.</em></p>

<p><strong>Stephen Kinnock is Labour MP for Aberavon </strong></p>
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<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_full_width gmail-full-width gmail-news gmail-title- gmail-conservative-party">
  
    
      
    <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/news/100159/tributes-pour-following-death-incredible"><img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_80,w_180/v1/polhome/UK%20politicians/pa-16235999_s5ur4w.jpg" alt="Baroness Trumpington" title="Baroness Trumpington"></a>  
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/news/100159/tributes-pour-following-death-incredible" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>Tributes pour in following death of 'incredible' Baroness Trumpington</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta">27th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
        <div class="gmail-teaser-content">
      <p>Tributes have been paid after former Conservative minister and 
Bletchley Park codebreaker Baroness Trumpington died at the age of 96.</p>
    </div>
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_full_width gmail-full-width gmail-news gmail-title- gmail-illness/treatments">
  
    
      
    <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/health-and-care/illnesstreatments/news/100158/labour-slam-short-sighted-cuts-sexual-health"><img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_80,w_180/v1/polhome/health%20and%20social%20care/pa-39209466_y8ieui.jpg" alt="smoking" title="smoking"></a>  
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/health-and-care/illnesstreatments/news/100158/labour-slam-short-sighted-cuts-sexual-health" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>Labour slam 'short-sighted' cuts to sexual health and anti-smoking services</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta">27th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
        <div class="gmail-teaser-content">
      <p>Labour have slammed “short-sighted” cuts to funding for sexual health services and help for people to quit smoking.</p>
    </div>
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_full_width gmail-full-width gmail-news gmail-title- gmail-conservative-party">
  
    
      
    <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/news/100157/theresa-may-says-shes-ready-tv-debate"><img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_80,w_180/v1/polhome/UK%20politicians/may_corbyn_tnp1lt.jpg" alt="Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn" title="Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn"></a>  
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/news/100157/theresa-may-says-shes-ready-tv-debate" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>Theresa May says she’s 'ready' for TV debate with Jeremy Corbyn days before crucial Commons vote</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta">27th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
        <div class="gmail-teaser-content">
      <p>Theresa May has confirmed that she's "ready" for a televised 
showdown with Jeremy Corbyn over her Brexit deal as she races to sell it
 to the country.</p>
    </div>
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_full_width gmail-full-width gmail-news gmail-title- gmail-brexit">
  
    
      
    <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/foreign-affairs/brexit/news/100156/blow-theresa-may-donald-trump-says-her-brexit-deal-could"><img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_80,w_180/v1/polhome/UK%20politicians/maytrump_xroqnd_jl30kb.png" alt="Theresa May and Donald Trump" title="Theresa May and Donald Trump"></a>  
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/foreign-affairs/brexit/news/100156/blow-theresa-may-donald-trump-says-her-brexit-deal-could" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>Blow for Theresa May as Donald Trump says her Brexit deal could hinder UK trade with America</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta">27th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
        <div class="gmail-teaser-content">
      <p>Donald Trump has warned Theresa May that her Brexit deal could 
make it difficult for the UK to trade with America after it quits the 
EU.</p>
    </div>
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li></ul>


  
  
  
  
  
  
   

  </div>
    </div>
    
    
    
    
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  <div class="gmail-right">

    
        <div class="gmail-split">
      
  

<div class="gmail-block gmail-block-views editors-choice gmail-arrow-line-gray">
  
        <h2 class="gmail-title">Editor's Choice</h2>
    
  
    

  
      
  
  
  
  
    
<ul><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_title_date_image gmail-title-with-date gmail-the-house gmail-title- gmail-skills-and-training">
  
    
      
    <img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_80,w_180/v1/polhome/logos/modern_languages__sdy5bv.jpg" alt="At a time when the UK is arguably at its most multicultural, and multilingual, we need to harness the language skills that exist on our doorstep, writes Stephen Kinnock" title="At a time when the UK is arguably at its most multicultural, and multilingual, we need to harness the language skills that exist on our doorstep, writes Stephen Kinnock">  
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/education/skills-and-training/house/house-magazine/100089/stephen-kinnock-we-need-chief" class="gmail-group-link-group"><h2>Stephen Kinnock: We need a Chief Government Linguist to promote modern languages</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span>26th November 2018</span>    </div>
        
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_title_date_image gmail-title-with-date gmail-news gmail-title- gmail-theresa-may">
  
    
      
    <img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_80,w_180/v1/polhome/UK%20politicians/theresa_may_1_bcno44.png" alt="Theresa May" title="Theresa May">  
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/theresa-may/news/100154/theresa-may-faces-brexit" class="gmail-group-link-group"><h2>Theresa May faces Brexit showdown in Commons on 11 December as anger grows over deal</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span>26th November 2018</span>    </div>
        
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_title_date_image gmail-title-with-date gmail-the-house gmail-title- gmail-china">
  
    
      
    <img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_80,w_180/v1/polhome/buildings/china_appg_reltbo.jpg" alt="MPs Lilian Greenwood, Jess Phillips, Nigel Huddleston, David Morris and Jonathan Reynolds joined Richard Graham in China in November" title="MPs Lilian Greenwood, Jess Phillips, Nigel Huddleston, David Morris and Jonathan Reynolds joined Richard Graham in China in November">  
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/world/china/house/house-magazine/100095/richard-graham-dispatches-cross-party-trip-china" class="gmail-group-link-group"><h2>Richard Graham: Dispatches from a cross-party trip to China </h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span>26th November 2018</span>    </div>
        
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li></ul>


  
  
  
  
  
  
   

  </div>


<div class="gmail-block gmail-block-views gmail-top-stories gmail-arrow-line-gray">
  
        <h2 class="gmail-title">Most read</h2>
    
  
    

  
      
  
  
  
  
    
<ul><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_title_with_date gmail-title-with-date gmail-title-">
  
    
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/social-affairs/welfare/news/100123/universal-credit-could-plunge-100000-children-christmas" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>Universal Credit could plunge 100,000 children into Christmas crisis, ministers warned</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta-greenbox">26th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_title_with_date gmail-title-with-date gmail-title-">
  
    
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/labour-party/news/100155/excl-number-10-chief-begs-labour-mps-back" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>EXCL Number 10 chief begs Labour MPs to back 'tenacious' Theresa May's Brexit deal</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta-greenbox">27th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_title_with_date gmail-title-with-date gmail-title-">
  
    
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/foreign-affairs/brexit/news/100113/philip-hammond-lead-cabinet-exodus-if-theresa-may-goes-no" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>Philip Hammond 'to lead Cabinet exodus' if Theresa May goes for no-deal Brexit</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta-greenbox">25th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_title_with_date gmail-title-with-date gmail-title-">
  
    
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/europe/eu-policy-agenda/brexit/news/100125/david-mundell-facing-calls-quit-over-emmanuel-macron" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>David Mundell facing calls to quit over Emmanuel Macron Brexit fishing threat</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta-greenbox">26th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-view-mode-teaser_title_with_date gmail-title-with-date gmail-title-">
  
    
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/politics/news/100131/theresa-may-summons-labour-mps-brexit-briefing-bid-sell-deal" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>Theresa May summons Labour MPs to Brexit briefing in bid to sell deal</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta-greenbox">26th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li></ul>


  
  
  
  
  
  
   

  </div>
    </div>
    
        <div class="gmail-full">
      
  

<div class="gmail-block gmail-block-views gmail-house-magazine gmail-arrow-line-black">
  
        <h2 class="gmail-title"><a href="https://www.politicshome.com/articles/magazine/house" class="gmail-block-title-link" title="From the House Magazine">From the House magazine</a></h2>
    
  
    

  
      
  
  
  
  
    
<ul><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-node-teaser gmail-view-mode-teaser gmail-the-house gmail-title- gmail-china">
  
    
      
    <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/world/china/house/house-magazine/100095/richard-graham-dispatches-cross-party-trip-china"><img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_80,w_180/v1/polhome/buildings/china_appg_reltbo.jpg" alt="MPs Lilian Greenwood, Jess Phillips, Nigel Huddleston, David Morris and Jonathan Reynolds joined Richard Graham in China in November" title="MPs Lilian Greenwood, Jess Phillips, Nigel Huddleston, David Morris and Jonathan Reynolds joined Richard Graham in China in November"></a>  
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/world/china/house/house-magazine/100095/richard-graham-dispatches-cross-party-trip-china" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>Richard Graham: Dispatches from a cross-party trip to China </h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta">26th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
        <div class="gmail-teaser-content">
      <p>Richard Graham reports on a recent all-party mission to China 
intent on forging a brighter future with one of the world’s great new 
powers</p>
    </div>
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-node-teaser gmail-view-mode-teaser gmail-the-house gmail-title- gmail-foreign-affairs">
  
    
      
    <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/foreign-affairs/house/house-magazine/100097/anne-main-and-rushanara-ali-stop-unsafe-return"><img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_80,w_180/v1/polhome/international%20relations/rohingya_refugees_adf4q1.jpg" alt="The refugees deserve justice, dignity and the choice to return to safe conditions in Burma if they wish, write Anne Main and Rushanara Ali" title="The refugees deserve justice, dignity and the choice to return to safe conditions in Burma if they wish, write Anne Main and Rushanara Ali"></a>  
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/foreign-affairs/house/house-magazine/100097/anne-main-and-rushanara-ali-stop-unsafe-return" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>Anne Main and Rushanara Ali: Stop the unsafe return of Rohingya refugees </h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta">26th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
        <div class="gmail-teaser-content">
      <p>Rushanara Ali and Anne Main call on the government as a matter 
of urgency to help halt Bangladesh’s plans to forcibly repatriate 
Rohingya refugees...</p>    </div>
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-node-teaser gmail-view-mode-teaser gmail-the-house gmail-title- gmail-skills-and-training">
  
    
      
    <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/education/skills-and-training/house/house-magazine/100089/stephen-kinnock-we-need-chief"><img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_80,w_180/v1/polhome/logos/modern_languages__sdy5bv.jpg" alt="At a time when the UK is arguably at its most multicultural, and multilingual, we need to harness the language skills that exist on our doorstep, writes Stephen Kinnock" title="At a time when the UK is arguably at its most multicultural, and multilingual, we need to harness the language skills that exist on our doorstep, writes Stephen Kinnock"></a>  
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/education/skills-and-training/house/house-magazine/100089/stephen-kinnock-we-need-chief" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>Stephen Kinnock: We need a Chief Government Linguist to promote modern languages</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta">26th November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
        <div class="gmail-teaser-content">
      <p>If the UK is to talk – and be heard – around the world in the 
post-Brexit era we need a voice in government that is dedicated to 
modern languages...</p>    </div>
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li><li>
<div class="gmail-teaser gmail-container gmail-node-dods-article gmail-node-teaser gmail-view-mode-teaser gmail-the-house gmail-title- gmail-policing">
  
    
      
    <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/home-affairs/policing/house/house-magazine/100068/sajid-javid-%E2%80%9Cministers-must-do-better-job"><img class="gmail-image-dimensions-unknown" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dods/image/upload/c_fill,g_center,h_80,w_180/v1/polhome/UK%20politicians/savid_javid_online_bghqu1.jpg" alt="Sajid Javid" title="Sajid Javid"></a>  
    
  
  
  <span>
    
          <a href="https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/home-affairs/policing/house/house-magazine/100068/sajid-javid-%E2%80%9Cministers-must-do-better-job" class="gmail-group-link-group gmail-field-group-link"><h2>Sajid Javid: “Ministers must do a better job of selling this deal”</h2></a>        
        <div class="gmail-date">
      <span><div class="gmail-meta">23rd November 2018</div></span>    </div>
        
        <div class="gmail-teaser-content">
      <p>Sajid Javid finds himself in one of the great offices of state 
at a pivotal moment in Britain’s history. As he calls for the government
 to allay...</p>    </div>
      
  </span>
  

  
  
</div></li></ul>


  
  
  
  
  
  
   

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<br>-- <br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature">=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+<br><br> Harold F. Schiffman<br><br>Professor Emeritus of <br> Dravidian Linguistics and Culture <br>Dept. of South Asia Studies                     <br>University of Pennsylvania<br>Philadelphia, PA 19104-6305<br><br>Phone:  (215) 898-7475<br>Fax:  (215) 573-2138                                      <br><br>Email:  <a href="mailto:haroldfs@gmail.com" target="_blank">haroldfs@gmail.com</a><br><a href="http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/" target="_blank">http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/</a>    <br><br>-------------------------------------------------</div></div>