Do you speak one or more foreign languages, either privately or professionally? Evidence suggests that if the answer is no, then you could be missing out...
A recent survey of senior managers found that 61% believe not knowing the local language is the biggest obstacle in the way of successfully conducting business negotiations abroad, yet only 37% of those questioned said their company actually offered language training to their employees[1]. There is an image of Brits abroad - and amongst our European neighbours in particular - that we are reluctant language learners, and assume we can easily get by simply speaking English wherever we go. Unfortunately, it seems that this rather negative stereotype is backed up by the facts... Traditional A-level disciplines such as French and German are in “freefall”, following a record decline in entry rates over the last decade[2]. According to the most recent official figures, currently about one in ten state primary schools offers no language lessons at all, and a further 20% only offer it to some year groups[3]. The Government has taken heed of this alarming drop in language teaching - particularly noticeable at secondary school level - and has moved to make languages a requirement from age seven, as part of a new primary National Curriculum taking effect in 2014. More than half of pupils taking GCSEs in 2013 will be doing a language, compared to 43% in 2010. "Learning another language is good for young children and it will give them more options in education and work [in later life]" said Michael Gove (Education Secretary) in June. I have always enjoyed learning and speaking other languages, and it has certainly opened up my eyes to the rich tapestry of cultures around the world. I would encourage everybody to learn at least one foreign language, from the earliest possible age. But it is also never too late to start! It has been proven that countries with high-performing education systems begin teaching foreign languages at a much younger age than in England. New Zealand and Singapore teach languages from age six, and Finland at age nine. In Hong Kong, English is compulsory from the start of primary school. The aim of 'Wirral Multilingual' is to enable Wirral residents to learn a new language, improve their current language skills, or meet and chat with other nationalities. The service also provides Wirral-based companies with access to professional translation/interpreting services, a source of multilingual staff, and the tools to expand their business operations across Europe and beyond. For more information, please make do not hesitate to get in touch via the Contact page. [1] Source: "Lack of language skills is biggest obstacle for expats" (The Telegraph 31.08.12) [2] Source: “Foreign languages 'need Eurozone-style bail-out’" (The Telegraph 16.08.12) [3] Source: "Foreign languages to be compulsory from age seven" (The Telegraph, 09.06.12)
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AuthorStuart Burke founded Wirral Multilingual in 2012, with the aim to promote the use and understanding of foreign languages and cultures among those living and working in the Wirral. His background is in export markets (predominantly Europe). He speaks French and German fluently, but also enjoys the challenge of trying other languages. So far, he knows the basics of several European languages and can count from one to ten in Japanese! CategoriesArchives |