- Reason: 10
- Britain is no longer a monolingual state (if ever it was) and the realities of globalisation make the speaking of languages more important than ever
- Reference:
- Connell, T. (2002) Languages and Employability: A Question of Careers (www.cilt.org.uk/careers/pdf/reports/employability.pdf)
- Related Keywords:
- Globalisation, Multilingualism, UK
- Reason: 24
- The ultimate consequences for a monolingual England will be linguistic disenfranchisement, the nation being unable to initiate communication with non-English speakers.
- Reference:
- Willis, J. (2003) Foreign Language Learning and Technology in England from the 17th to 21st Centuries (a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the examination for PhD in the Department of Education at the University of Surrey)
- Related Keywords:
- Communication, Equality (equal opportunities), Global English, UK
- Reason: 29
- British nationals' interaction can only be responsive: they cannot initiate communication on equal terms with other EU member states. In other words, they are less powerful than those who have greater linguistic skills
- Reference:
- Willis, J. (2003) Foreign Language Learning and Technology in England from the 17th to 21st Centuries (a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the examination for PhD in the Department of Education at the University of Surrey)
- Related Keywords:
- Communication, Equality (equal opportunities), European Union (EU), Language learning skills, UK
- Reason: 106
- Learning other languages can help you make foreign people feel more welcome in your country
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Inclusion, UK, Values
- Reason: 108
- Let's not be a slow advancing country in languages
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- UK
- Reason: 117
- There are fewer people with language skills in the UK - therefore knowledge of languages is more desirable
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Employability, Language learning skills, UK
- Reason: 130
- National isolation can be maintained by not allowing language learning and, conversely, language learning is a necessary condition for interaction across national boundaries
- Reference:
- Byram, M. (2002) 'Foreign language education as political and moral education - an essay' in the Language Learning Journal, No. 26, pp. 43-47
- Related Keywords:
- Communication, International relations, UK
- Reason: 139
- Community languages have important contributions to make both to issues of equality and diversity within British society and to understanding our roles and responsibilities within the global community
- Reference:
- Anderson, J., Chaudhuri, M. (2003) ‘Citizenship and community languages: a critical perspective’ in Brown, K., Brown, M. (eds) Reflections on Citizenship in a Multilingual World (London: CILT), pp. 53-65
- Related Keywords:
- Equality (equal opportunities), Globalisation, UK, UK Community Languages
- Reason: 175
- The profile attached to Welsh, Scots Gaelic and Irish is an expression of respect towards the indigenous cultures of these regions. This argument is also relevant to the study in school of the languages spoken by immigrant populations
- Reference:
- Williams, K. (2001) ‘Towards a rationale for foreign language education: re-stating my reservations’ in the Language Learning Journal, No. 24. pp. 43-47
- Related Keywords:
- Secondary sector, UK, UK Community Languages, Values
- Reason: 223
- Competence in foreign languages is an essential tool of an effective foreign policy
- Reference:
- Davies, V. (2003) 'Tools of diplomacy: the language policy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and what it means for higher education' in Head, D. et al. Setting the Agenda for Languages in Higher Education (London: CILT), pp.43-59
- Related Keywords:
- International relations, UK
- Reason: 224
- The Foreign and Commonwealth Office tries as far as possible to operate in the official language or languages of the countries in which the British Government is officially represented. This currently means some 80 languages
- Reference:
- Davies, V. (2003) 'Tools of diplomacy: the language policy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and what it means for higher education' in Head, D. et al. Setting the Agenda for Languages in Higher Education (London: CILT), pp.43-59
- Related Keywords:
- Employability, International relations, UK
- Reason: 226
- The Foreign and Commonwealth Office needs to secure more graduates with linguistic competence
- Reference:
- Davies, V. (2003) 'Tools of diplomacy: the language policy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and what it means for higher education' in Head, D. et al. Setting the Agenda for Languages in Higher Education (London: CILT), pp.43-59
- Related Keywords:
- Employability, HE (Higher Education sector), International relations, UK
- Reason: 245
- Awareness and proficiency in MFL among a growing number of our citizens can help prevent the UK from being isolated in understanding from the rest of the world
- Reference:
- Nott, D. (2003) 'National language strategies post-Nuffield' in Head, D., Jones, E., Kelly, M., Tinsley, T. (eds) Setting the Agenda for Languages in Higher Education (London: CILT), pp. 119-130
- Related Keywords:
- International relations, UK, Understanding
- Reason: 252
- The percentage of companies that have employees with foreign language skills appears to be similar for French, German and Spanish companies surveyed. UK companies surveyed, by contrast, have the poorest language skills base
- Reference:
- Elucidate Study (1997) cited in Hagen, S. (1999) Business Communication Across Borders (London: LNTO and CILT)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Key skills, Language learning skills, UK
- Reason: 254
- With increasing internationalisation in the corporate sector, it is inevitable that more, rather than fewer companies will experience language and/or cultural barriers in one form or another - particularly SMEs -with a higher concentration of first-time exporters
- Reference:
- Hagen, S. (1999) Business Communication Across Borders (London: LNTO and CILT)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Communication, Globalisation, Intercultural competence, UK
- Reason: 256
- Businesses in the UK appear to face greater linguistic deficiencies than companies elsewhere in Europe
- Reference:
- Elucidate Study (1997) cited in Hagen, S. (1999) Business Communication Across Borders (London: LNTO and CILT)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Communication, UK
- Reason: 277
- It is hard to see how we can create a society of mutual respect if this respect is not extended to the languages our children speak
- Reference:
- Wicksteed, K. (2004) 'Languages and the Baccalaureate' in Languages, Mathematics and the Baccalaureate (London: The Nuffield Foundation), pp. 12-17
- Related Keywords:
- Social cohesion, UK, UK Community Languages, Values
- Reason: 278
- It would help to counter prejudice if the languages of our significant minority communities, such as those of the Asian subcontinent, became mainstream choices for young people
- Reference:
- Wicksteed, K. (2004) 'Languages and the Baccalaureate' in Languages, Mathematics and the Baccalaureate (London: The Nuffield Foundation), pp. 12-17
- Related Keywords:
- UK, UK Community Languages, Values
- Reason: 279
- The security services, which have a nationality requirement, are finding it increasingly difficult to attract candidates with training in Middle Eastern languages
- Reference:
- Ehteshami, A. (2002) BRISMES: Report - Middle Eastern Studies in the United Kingdom: A Challenge for Government, Industry and the Academic Community (www.dur.ac.uk/brismes/report)
- Related Keywords:
- Employability, Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages, National security, UK
- Reason: 280
- Some Middle Eastern languages are not being taught at all in the UK. The absence of these is potentially a huge threat to national security
- Reference:
- Ehteshami, A. (2002) BRISMES: Report - Middle Eastern Studies in the United Kingdom: A Challenge for Government, Industry and the Academic Community (www.dur.ac.uk/brismes/report)
- Related Keywords:
- Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages, National security, UK
- Reason: 281
- Security services and other agencies require linguists to work on counter-terrorism, serious crime and counter-proliferation
- Reference:
- Ehteshami, A. (2002) BRISMES: Report - Middle Eastern Studies in the United Kingdom: A Challenge for Government, Industry and the Academic Community (www.dur.ac.uk/brismes/report)
- Related Keywords:
- National security, UK
- Reason: 289
- A survey for Professional Manager in March 2000 revealed that 30% of British companies have over 20% of their customer base outside the UK and that over 70% conduct some business in other countries
- Reference:
- Connell, T. (2002) Languages and Employability: A Question of Careers (www.cilt.org.uk/careers/pdf/reports/employability.pdf)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Networking, UK
- Reason: 292
- The Socrates programme now attracts far more students to the UK than it sends abroad. This will have the effect of producing graduates from Continental universities in a wide range of disciplines who have some experience of the UK, a good command of English (plus their native language and any others they may have acquired) who will be able to fill skills gaps and shortages in future
- Reference:
- Connell, T. (2002) Languages and Employability: A Question of Careers (www.cilt.org.uk/careers/pdf/reports/employability.pdf)
- Related Keywords:
- Employability, UK
- Reason: 295
- The growth in the multilingual population in the UK indicates the need for a wider range of language provision related to the public services, namely Health, Law and Local Government
- Reference:
- Connell, T. (2002) Languages and Employability: A Question of Careers (www.cilt.org.uk/careers/pdf/reports/employability.pdf)
- Related Keywords:
- Employability, Health, Inclusion, Language for specific purposes, Law, UK, UK Community Languages
- Reason: 296
- Non-traditional languages have an increasing commercial value given the size of Britain's overseas trade outside Europe and the USA and the potential size of the market in areas where specific languages are widespread
- Reference:
- Connell, T. (2002) Languages and Employability: A Question of Careers (www.cilt.org.uk/careers/pdf/reports/employability.pdf)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Employability, Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages, UK
- Reason: 297
- There is strong anecdotal evidence that commercial employers are recruiting abroad. This would appear to be the case where multilingual staff in particular are needed. It is also indicated where employers need a language other than the standard ones available within the UK education system
- Reference:
- Connell, T. (2002) Languages and Employability: A Question of Careers (www.cilt.org.uk/careers/pdf/reports/employability.pdf)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Employability, Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages, Multilingualism, UK
- Reason: 330
- Societies which deal in only one language will be in a minority and are unlikely to flourish, nor will they maximise job opportunities for their citizens
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Employability, Multilingualism, UK
- Reason: 332
- Qualifications, flexibility and mobility will be at a premium ..unless our education system can provide people with the skills to cope with the emerging challenges and opportunities - and these include language skills - the future will be tough for the next generation
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Employability, Key skills, Mobility, Qualifications, UK
- Reason: 333
- English alone is not enough. In the face of such widespread acceptance and use of English the UK's complacent view of its limited capability in languages is understandable. It is also dangerous. In a world where bilingualism and plurilingualism are commonplace, monolingualism implies inflexibility, insensitivity and arrogance. Much that is essential to our society, its health and interests - including effective choice in policy, realisation of citizenship, effective overseas links and openness to the inventions of other cultures - will not be achieved in one language alone
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Citizenship, Economic, social and political dimension, Global English, Inclusion, Intercultural competence, International relations, Multilingualism, UK, Values
- Reason: 334
- Early learning of languages is giving other countries key advantages- While we have English, others have English, their national language and a head start in learning new languages
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Global English, Language awareness, UK
- Reason: 335
- Other countries are not learning English for our benefit
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Global English, UK
- Reason: 336
- The UK’s active membership of the EU argues for a sustained effort with European languages, but our wider global engagement also underlines the need to broaden the languages menu
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Diversity, European Union (EU), Globalisation, Multilingualism, UK
- Reason: 337
- Our relationship with Europe needs more than English. Europe is emerging not only as a single market but also as a social and political forum in which English serves as a second language. There is a danger that European monolinguals will find themselves marginalised - unable to take a full part in the new institutions and opportunities in the economic, cultural and educational fields. For English monolinguals there is no single other language which will suffice: we need to explore the means of creating diversity of provision and language expertise in both the major and minor European languages
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Culture, Diversity, Economic, social and political dimension, Education Studies, Equality (equal opportunities), European Union (EU), Global English, Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages, Multilingualism, UK
- Reason: 338
- The UK needs an international cadre of professionals. The pressure towards creating a more internationalised corpus of professionals is becoming more evident in many areas of activity, including medicine, law and accountancy. A knowledge of English alone will take them a long way, but not far enough to be able to work as effectively as their peers from other countries in an international environment. The dominance of English has been a powerful disincentive to learn other languages but the situation must be addressed if the UK is to maintain a cadre of professionals able to work worldwide and to ensure that mobility of expertise is a two-way process
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Careers, Employability, Global English, Mobility, UK
- Reason: 339
- Communication across cultures will remain a key skill - The ability to communicate across cultures will be essential to national well-being and it is in the UK’s interests to wake up to the value of languages in cementing international relations
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Communication, Intercultural competence, International relations, Key skills, UK
- Reason: 340
- English alone will not sustain word-class excellence - operating successfully in a highly competitive world economy and maintaining world-class standards involve more than muddling through in the short term and include as a minimum the acquisition of the range of skills which our competitors offer. Given that so many people all over the world now speak, or are learning English, knowledge of English no longer confers an automatic advantage on the British workforce
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Economic, social and political dimension, Employability, Global English, UK
- Reason: 345
- There is a mismatch between business ‘demand’ and education ‘supply’. There is frustration in the business world with the inadequate levels of language skills emerging from education
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, UK
- Reason: 346
- A short-term outlook puts the UK workforces at a long-term disadvantage...Young people, unaware of their relevance, see no need to acquire language skills- and are edged out of the increasingly competitive employment market
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Employability, UK
- Reason: 347
- A wider range of languages is called for - The present range of languages spoken by the UK workforce and taught in the education system does not accurately reflect the current pattern of UK trade, nor the patterns that are predicted to emerge in the next generation
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Diversity, Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages, UK
- Reason: 350
- Languages support communities. Language marks out a community in a unique way and can help bind it together .. the next generation should be encouraged to view our society as richer and stronger because of its many language communities
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Diversity, Inclusion, Social cohesion, UK, UK Community Languages
- Reason: 354
- The image of the UK is enhanced abroad - Even the most basic phrases and common courtesies send positive signals and convey a sense of respect for other people and their languages
- Reference:
- The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- International relations, UK, Values
- Reason: 365
- At the heart of communication is language. The complexity of modern society creates complex language needs - access to a single language is not enough
- Reference:
- King, L., Johnstone, R. (2001) An agenda for languages (produced by CILT for the Birmingham Conference of October 2001, http://www.eyl2001.org.uk/agenda.pdf)
- Related Keywords:
- Communication, Multilingualism, UK
- Reason: 366
- The languages deficit in the UK has become an urgent economic, social and political question
- Reference:
- King, L., Johnstone, R. (2001) An agenda for languages (produced by CILT for the Birmingham Conference of October 2001, http://www.eyl2001.org.uk/agenda.pdf)
- Related Keywords:
- Economic, social and political dimension, UK
- Reason: 386
- We survive by international partnerships and alliances. We need to be able to understand where others are coming from , what makes them tick - first-hand, in their own words, not translated by them into English for our benefit
- Reference:
- Sir Trevor McDonald (record of the symposium, 'Why languages matter', held on 6 March 2002 (The English-Speaking Union, The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Global English, International relations, Translating, UK, Understanding
- Reason: 388
- The UK is a member of the European Union and our economy is integrated into that of the other member states. There will be a high price to pay if we do not have the linguistic competence to play a full part
- Reference:
- Record of the symposium, 'Why languages matter', held on 6 March 2002 (The English-Speaking Union, The Nuffield Foundation)
- Related Keywords:
- Economic, social and political dimension, European Union (EU), UK
- Reason: 389
- A world-class education system preparing people for life in the 21st century must reflect the fact that the world we live in is multilingual. The UK cannot afford a system that reduces languages to an elite accomplishment, available principally to those educated in independent schools
- Reference:
- Response from the Steering Group of the Nuffield Languages Programme to the consultation document 14-19: extending opportunities, raising standards, 20 May 2002
- Related Keywords:
- Accessibility, Education Studies, Equality (equal opportunities), Multilingualism, UK
- Reason: 390
- Whichever career path young people choose, they will need the skills that make them employable in a world where recruitment is increasingly global, where flexibility and mobility are at a premium. As a nation, we owe it to them to ensure that they do not lose out in the jobs market to better educated and linguistically qualified candidates from other countries
- Reference:
- Response from the Steering Group of the Nuffield Languages Programme to the consultation document 14-19: extending opportunities, raising standards, 20 May 2002
- Related Keywords:
- Employability, Globalisation, Key skills, Mobility, UK
- Reason: 392
- The role of languages in enhancing employability appears to have been underestimated. It is well documented that language graduates are sought after. HESA statistics show that they are highly employable and ranked among those least likely to be unemployed. Employers needing high-level language skills are currently obliged to recruit native speakers from other countries because of the shortfall among UK nationals
- Reference:
- Response from the Steering Group of the Nuffield Languages Programme to the consultation document 14-19: extending opportunities, raising standards, 20 May 2002
- Related Keywords:
- Employability, HE (Higher Education sector), UK
- Reason: 421
- The study of a foreign language enables students to participate in the society whose language they study and to operate within different linguistic and cultural contexts. This places them in a privileged position: they can be ambassadors for their own society within the foreign society and they can also learn to view their own society from new perspectives. They can compare and contrast diverse visions of the world, thus promoting intercultural understanding and bringing distinctive benefits both to their own society, for example in employment terms, and to the society or societies of the target language(s)
- Reference:
- Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2002) Languages and Related Studies: Subject Benchmark Statements (Gloucester: QAA)
- Related Keywords:
- Culture, Employability, HE (Higher Education sector), Intercultural competence, Mobility, Personal and social development, UK
- Reason: 430
- 60% of British trade is with non-English speaking countries
- Reference:
- Marshall, K. (2001) 'Making the case for languages' in the Languages Box (Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, UK
- Reason: 440
- In the knowledge society of the 21st century, language competence and intercultural understanding are not optional extras, they are an essential part of being a citizen. For too long we have lagged behind in our capability to contribute fully as multilingual and culturally aware citizens.
- Reference:
- DfES (2002) Languages for All: Languages for Life: A Strategy for England (London: DfES)
- Related Keywords:
- Citizenship, Intercultural competence, Knowledge, Multilingualism, UK
- Reason: 441
- In the global economy too few employees have the necessary language skills to be able to engage fully in international business and too few employers support their employees in gaining additional language skills as part of their job
- Reference:
- DfES (2002) Languages for All: Languages for Life: A Strategy for England (London: DfES)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Employability, Globalisation, UK
- Reason: 460
- A foreign language enables you to communicate adequately in that country and to help people from those countries when they come here
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Communication, Mobility, UK, Values
- Reason: 505
- Another language helps you to overcome the stereotype of English not making any effort to speak foreign languages on holiday etc.
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Global English, Mobility, UK, Values
- Reason: 514
- Britain lags behind Europe in learning languages and we need to catch up
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- UK
- Reason: 516
- England and the UK in general tend to be very insular because we speak the world language which can isolate us from other European countries. Speaking a foreign language could improve international relations
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Global English, International relations, UK, Values
- Reason: 517
- Foreign people will like us more if we learn languages
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- International relations, UK
- Reason: 545
- It's polite to learn languages. We shouldn't expect other people to speak English
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Global English, UK, Values
- Reason: 550
- Language learning enables you to demonstrate to other countries that not everyone is ignorant towards their language
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- International relations, UK, Values
- Reason: 551
- Language learning helps our integration in Europe and prevents our isolation
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- European Union (EU), International relations, UK
- Reason: 553
- Language learning improves Britain's world status
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- UK
- Reason: 570
- The Secretary of State for Education has asked HEFCE to consider the following as courses of national strategic importance. Japanese, Chinese, Mandarin and other far eastern languages/dialects ..for business and trade purposes
- Reference:
- DfES Press Notice 'Charles Clarke seeks protection for courses of national strategic importance', December 1, 2004 (www.dfes.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2004_0209)
- Related Keywords:
- Business, HE (Higher Education sector), Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught (LWULT) Languages, UK
- Reason: 578
- Languages are useful for trade
- Reference:
- Sixth Former
- Related Keywords:
- Business, UK
- Reason: 632
- Languages can provide opportunities nowadays here in the UK even if you don't want to go and work abroad because of the multicultural society we live in
- Reference:
- language undergraduate
- Related Keywords:
- Employability, UK, UK Community Languages
- Reason: 633
- Britain is so near to so many different speaking countries
- Reference:
- language undergraduate
- Related Keywords:
- UK
- Reason: 637
- One of the important things about a language degree is being able to relate to people from a variety of backgrounds. We live in a multicultural society and if you can't relate to people from different backgrounds then it might be more difficult to convince them and to sell things to them
- Reference:
- language undergraduate
- Related Keywords:
- Business, HE (Higher Education sector), Networking, Social cohesion, UK, Understanding
- Reason: 717
- Britain has a multicultural image and is often seen as a country that has come to terms with multiculturalism. It is a society that is heading towards multilingualism
- Reference:
- Higher Education Advisory Panel
- Related Keywords:
- Multilingualism, Social cohesion, UK
- Reason: 722
- The intercultural understanding promoted by language teaching and learning encourages better relationships between different communities in this country
- Reference:
- Higher Education Advisory Panel
- Related Keywords:
- Intercultural competence, Networking, Social cohesion, Teaching, UK
- Reason: 724
- Recognition of existing languages in communities in the UK would contribute to community cohesion
- Reference:
- Higher Education Advisory Panel
- Related Keywords:
- Social cohesion, UK, UK Community Languages
- Reason: 725
- Overseas inward investment into this country means that multilinguals are needed in the UK
- Reference:
- Higher Education Advisory Panel
- Related Keywords:
- Business, Employability, Multilingualism, UK
700 Reasons to study languages...
