UK: Languages found lacking

[Harold F. Schiffman]

Languages found lacking

Date: Monday, February 05 @ 09:00:03 GMT

A lack of language skills means that British graduates are missing out on
top jobs, an academic from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria
University has warned. His statement came just before the Governments
review of their foreign language policy, published by Lord Dearing on
December 14. Bill Houston, Programme Director of Undergraduate
International Business, said: "international business students whose first
language is English and who have a second language are in great demand."
However, not enough British students possess these skills, and overseas
graduates are filling the void in businesses. Mr. Houston explained that:
"It is not uncommon for European business graduates to be fluent in two
other languages."

One explanation as to why British students are so far behind their
European counterparts when it comes to languages is the common
misconception that "everybody else speaks English." However, according to
Keith Marshall from the Department of Modern Languages at the University
of Wales, Bangor, 75% of the world do not. Oliver Watson, a student at
Southampton University, said: "Secondary education does not put enough
emphasise on learning a second language, whereas students from other
countries are taught languages as a priority." Lord Dearings interim
report on language teaching outlined proposals for languages to become
part of the National Curriculum for primary schools and the GCSE language
specification to be revised. His final report is due in February.

However, there are no plans to make languages compulsory between the ages
of 14 and 16. This is despite mass criticism of the Government after this
summers GCSE results highlighted that the number of students taking
languages is declining further. Entries for German GCSE dropped by 14.2%.
Lord Dearing countered that reintroducing compulsory languages at GCSE is
not yet a "preferred option." He stated: "We want to find a middle way
between freedom and prescription, and one that appeals to pupils of all
abilities and aptitudes." Commenting on the report, Education Secretary
Alan Johnson stated: "We must also get major employer organisations
involved to see what more they can do to promote the value of languages
skills for business."

Fortunately, Southampton University appears to be bucking the national
trend, with a 9.6% increase in admissions to study languages last year.
The Languages department also came third in the annual Guardian league
table, with high scores including 7/10 for job prospects for Southampton
language students.

http://www.wessexscene.co.uk/article.php?sid=2012

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