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The language Handicap in the UK
"Young people from the UK are at a growing disadvantage in the recruitment market", "The UK desperately needs more language teachers".
Unfortunately, those words were not said by the writer of this article. They are the conclusions of the Nuffield Languages Inquiry of 2000, under the chairmanship of Sir Trevor MacDonald and Sir John Boyd. It is now a fact that UK people are at a disadvantage against the rest of Europe, as far as Language skills are concerned. Such reality is as regrettable as it is inevitable given the 2004 Government’s decision to allow students to drop foreign languages after the age 14. This policy has especially affected the state sector: fewer than half of all pupils actually continue learning a second tongue until GCSE. Furthermore, foreign Language teachers have seen their careers decline, which led to a dramatic fall in the number of people seeking a career in such field as well.
Percentages of English Speakers by Nation
In the Netherlands, the number of people who speak a second language is remarkably high (89% speak English, 70% speak German, 29% French and 5% Spanish). Denmark does not differ much (86% of the total population speak English, 58% speak German and 12% speak French). Nevertheless, when it comes to the UK, the numbers decrease impressively. In contrast to an average of 87% in Denmark and The Netherlands, only 38% of the total population speaks a foreign Language in the UK.
British people now face the challenge of changing this behavior. In 2002 the House of Lords discussed the importance of foreign language learning. It was agreed that in the era of globalization, both speaking second languages and being knowledgeable in foreign cultures is of vital importance for career and employment. This is the reason why when thinking of taking French lessons Manchester people combine their learning needs in a special program developed for each person by native French teachers. Classes can be held at their home or office.
While in Germany learning foreign languages is compulsory from the first year of school, in the UK it is a personal choice. It is not surprising that at the age 14, students choose not to carry on studying a language or any other non-compulsory subject. Naturally, they are unaware of the role education plays in their future, since they are too young. Nevertheless, as they grow older, the importance of being bilingual begins to show. Fortunately, it’s not too late. For those who wish they had taken up a foreign language course earlier, the doors remain open. For example, when planning on developing their second language skills through Italian Lessons London people count on different learning options that adjust to their personal interests, level, and schedules. Furthermore, they are initially provided with all the necessary material to work in class.
The countries with the least foreign language skills, apart from the UK, are currently Ireland, Italy and Spain. However, there’s no denying that whatever place of birth, the tools for learning a second language are easily available for everyone..
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