LLAS Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies

Middle Eastern Studies in the United Kingdom

Lisa Bernasek - 17 March 2009

The study of the Middle East in UK universities dates back at least to the seventeenth century. The Middle East is taught and researched by scholars from a wide range of academic disciplines and student numbers studying Middle Eastern languages and area studies have substantially increased in the last few years.

Plenary: Languages in Higher Education Conference 2008: transitions and connections

Harold Walker - 4 August 2008

To follow

Why the UK Needs Area Studies

- 5 April 2004

This keynote speech was originally presented at the Area Studies Project conference: Understanding the world: Developing interdisciplinary area studies to meet the needs of the 21st century. The day began with an impassioned plea by former UK Ambassador to Iraq Sir Harold Walker that it is in the national interest that Area Studies programmes are maintained in the UK. In light of current events in Iraq and Afghanistan it is imperative that universities produce graduates who understand the languages and cultures of regions such as the Middle East.