Report: UK Faces 'Crisis' in Language Learning

Report: UK Faces 'Crisis' in Language Learning

A report from the UK's Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) warns that the country needs to take action to avoid a "crisis" in language learning.

The report looked at a 2018 survey of people in the European Union between the ages of 15 and 30, and noted that 68% of young people in the UK said they could only read and write in one language. The next worst European country was Hungary, where 29% said they could only use one language.

In fact, 80% of young Europeans said they were able to use more than one language, with that number rising to 99% in Denmark. But the UK had the fewest people who could use more than one language, at just 32%.

At around 14 to 16 years old, students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland take important exams called the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). But since 2004, taking language GCSEs has not been required, and fewer than half of GCSE students now study a foreign language.

HEPI's Nick Hillman said that, even compared to 2010, almost half as many students were now studying French and German, and only about one third as many were studying Italian. However, study of other languages like Spanish and Mandarin has been increasing.

Mike Hill, principal of Carmel College in northern England, told the BBC that both schools and students now see language classes as "high-risk," because many believe it's more difficult to get a high grade in the exams.

But Matthew Fell of the CBI, a business group, told the BBC that the UK needs to improve its language skills or it will no longer be competitive around the world.

Discussion

What are your thoughts on the UK's language learning "crisis"?

What percent of people in your country do you imagine can use more than one language? Why do you think that is?

Do you think everyone should be required to learn a second language in school? Why? Why not?

What subject did you find most difficult when you were in high school? Why?

What comes to mind when you think of the United Kingdom? Please explain your answer.

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