The University of Exeter's plan to cut 150 jobs, disproportionately affecting humanities, is the latest blow to modern language teaching in the UK. When universities close language departments, they reduce the pipeline of teachers, further diminishing school provision and limiting students' ability to study languages at university. Regional closures particularly affect disadvantaged students who are more likely to study locally.
Economic Impact of Language Skills Shortage
Research indicates that a lack of language skills costs the UK economy approximately 3.5% of GDP annually in lost export trade. One-third of UK employers face recruitment difficulties due to insufficient language skills. Conversely, small and medium-sized enterprises with language capabilities are 30% more successful in exporting.
Universities often cite declining student numbers and financial pressures as reasons for closure. However, this short-term thinking overlooks the value language programmes deliver, including bolstering the economy and nurturing skills vital for international trade and diplomatic relations.
Strategic Value of Languages
In response, the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, the Association of Translation Companies, and the Chartered Institute of Linguists published a report titled 'The strategic case for languages in UK higher education.' They sent it to vice-chancellors of all universities with language departments, urging them to recognise language provision as a strategic investment rather than a cost to be cut. While a few responded positively, most merely acknowledged the letter. Sara Robertson, Raisa McNab, and John Worne fear that this lack of interest means Britain risks becoming a monolingual island in a multilingual world.
Impact on Social Mobility
Dr Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen and chair of the all-party parliamentary group on modern languages, notes that as a working-class foster kid, studying languages made a big difference to him. He warns that the downward spiral in languages provision is disastrous for social mobility and young people's vocational skills. The APPG is calling on the government to incentivise schools to promote languages at GCSE for all pupils, consider financial incentives to boost A-level numbers modelled on the advanced maths premium, and support language degrees through strategically important and vulnerable subjects funding as part of strategic priorities grant reform.
Historical Context and Broader Concerns
Janet Fraser, a chartered linguist, questions whether the same Estelle Morris who laments the closure of foreign language degrees is the one who removed compulsory modern languages from the GCSE curriculum over 20 years ago, suggesting a possible link. Ilona Marchant of London emphasises that learning languages opens doors to other cultures and worldviews, complementing other subjects and enhancing understanding of international law and human rights. She warns that losing language opportunities risks fostering isolationist and extreme nationalism, citing figures like Trump, Musk, and Farage as examples of a dangerous trend.
