British Academy and Guardian Public Language Champion shortlist announced

The Guardian and the British Academy have today announced the shortlisted candidates for their new award recognising one public figure who has championed foreign language learning. As part of the Academy and Guardian joint campaign – The case for language learning – which promotes the benefits of learning languages, the Guardian and the Academy have decided to recognise a public figure who has made an impact in some way to encourage the uptake of languages by schools, communities or businesses.

The shortlisted champions are:

• Zeinab Badawi


• Eddie Izzard


• Larry Lamb


• Ellen MacArthur


• Arsene Wenger

To cast your vote visit: www.theguardian.com/language-festival/guardian-public-language-champion-award-2013-shortlist.

The winner will be announced during the British Academy and Guardian Languages Festival in November 2013.