Reasons to learn languages

Last year, only 16% of those completing their GCSEs obtained the "English Baccalaureate", a new initiative of Education Secretary Michael Gove. The baccalaureate consists of five GCSEs: English, mathematics, a science, a humanity and a foreign language. Gove proposes that this be considered the benchmark of success, an idea which is not unreasonable considering that equivalent qualifications are already an expectation in most other developed countries.

The foreign language is the component which most often hinders a pupil in obtaining this qualification. Last year was the first year in which French was no longer one of the top ten GCSEs in terms of number of entries, a figure which has been falling ever since it became optional to study a language after the age of fourteen. Such little emphasis on the study of other languages, especially in comparison to our European counterparts where it is usually compulsory until the age of eighteen, is shocking, considering that:

• From 2012 entry onwards, it will be neccesary for all those applying to University College London to offer a language at GCSE level.


• Only medicine graduates enjoy a better rate of employment and higher level of salary than those who graduate in modern languages.


• Depite the common belief that "everyone speaks English", the figure is actually only 25%. It is also polite to attempt to speak to others in their own tongue when abroad, instead of arrogantly assuming a knowledge of English.


• Knowledge of another language improve's ones understanding of their own.


• However good a translation is, there is no substitute for Moliere, Brecht, Flaubert or Kafka in the original language.

These are just a few reasons why language learning is important, but widespread media concern over the decline in students choosing to study them does suggest that an overhaul in teaching methods and perhaps the curriculum is needed.

Qu'est-ce que vous pensez?

(source: timesonline)