Cutting language courses will be a costly mistake | Humanities

News that the University of Exeter is planning to cut 150 jobs (Fury over Exeter University plan to scrap dozens of humanities posts, 1 July), with a disproportionate threat to the teaching of humanities, is only the latest in a series of blows to the teaching of modern languages in the UK.

When universities close language departments, they reduce the pipeline of teachers, which further reduces school provision, leading to fewer students being able to study languages at university. Plus, regional closures disproportionately affect students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are more likely to study locally.

The cost of these changes is also significant. Research shows that a lack of language skills costs the UK economy approximately 3.5% of GDP annually in lost export trade, and one-third of UK employers experience recruitment difficulties due to lack of language skills. However, small and medium-sized enterprises that do possess language capabilities are 30% more successful in exporting.

Universities often cite declining student numbers and financial pressures as the reason for closure. However, this short-term thinking ignores the value that language programmes deliver. In addition to bolstering the economy, language degrees nurture a range of skills that are vital for helping the UK to engage successfully in international trade and diplomatic relations.

In response to this threat, the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, the Association of Translation Companies and the Chartered Institute of Linguists published a report: The strategic case for languages in UK higher education. We sent it to the 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 did little more than acknowledge our letter. We fear this lack of interest in languages means that Britain risks becoming a monolingual island in a multilingual world.
Sara Robertson Chief executive, Institute of Translation and Interpreting, Raisa McNab Chief executive officer, Association of Translation Companies, John Worne Chief executive, Chartered Institute of Linguists

As a working-class foster kid, the opportunity to study languages made a big difference to me and many others like me. So I recognise the concerns that your report (Cutting language courses puts social mobility at risk, say UK experts, 5 July) raises about the downward spiral in languages provision in our universities. Put simply, it is disastrous for mobility and for young people’s vocational skills.

As languages are so vital for the economy and the future of this country, urgent and concerted action is needed. The all-party parliamentary group on modern languages, which I chair, is calling on the government to ensure schools are incentivised to promote languages at GCSE for all pupils. It should consider financial incentives to boost A-level numbers, modelled on the advanced maths premium; and above all ensure language degrees are supported by new strategically important and vulnerable subjects funding as part of strategic priorities grant reform.

As I know from my own experience, languages can be the perfect vehicle to bring young people out of their shells and grow their skills and confidence. Recent trends risk cutting people off from these opportunities – and it is our less advantaged young people who stand to lose the most.
Dr Darren Paffey
MP for Southampton Itchen, chair of the all-party parliamentary group on modern languages

Is the Estelle Morris who laments the closure of foreign language degrees the same Estelle Morris who took the decision to remove compulsory modern languages from the GCSE curriculum just over 20 years ago? And, if so, could these two things possibly be linked?
Janet Fraser
Chartered linguist, Twickenham, London

The loss of language courses at schools and universities risks undermining social mobility and vocational skills. Learning languages opens doors to other cultures and worldviews, and it has given me the greatest joy over the course of my life, whether the more traditional languages at school or starting more “exotic” languages at university.

Languages have complemented my other chosen subjects, opening paths to and interests in international law and human rights that I might not otherwise have followed. Outside work, reading literature in the original language enhances my understanding of other cultures, religions and politics. Without the opportunity to learn languages, celebrate other cultures and peoples we risk ending up with more isolationist and extreme nationalism.

Who on earth wants more Trumps, Musks or Farages? We are citizens of an increasingly isolationist and dangerous world. To lose the opportunity to communicate and understand our neighbours undermines our capacity to remedy this for both ourselves and future generations.
Ilona Marchant
London