British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Universities must show leadership on language decline, says British Academy
Universities must show leadership on language decline, says British Academy
In response to the publication of the HEFCE Modern Languages Review on 21 October 2009, Robin Jackson, Chief Executive and Secretary of the British Academy, said:
'The sharp decline in foreign language learning is something that the UK cannot afford to ignore. The British Academy report Language Matters in June raised the same alarm bells – that language learning is more, not less important, as research and business become increasingly global.
'We therefore warmly welcome this report and look forward to seeing both Government and universities taking decisive action to halt this decline. There is no time to lose.'
NOTES TO EDITORS
Published:
21 October 2009
- For further information please contact Kate Turnbull, Press and PR Manager: 0207 969 5263/k.turnbull@britac.ac.uk
- The British Academy report Language Matters was launched in June 2009 at an event attended by Minister of Higher Education, Mr David Lammy. The discussion paper drew attention to the alarming implications for research, and more widely, of declining study of foreign languages at schools and in universities. For a copy of the report, please visit www.britac.ac.uk/reports/language-matters/
- The British Academy, established by Royal Charter in 1902, champions and supports the humanities and social sciences. It aims to inspire, recognise and support excellence and high achievement across the UK and internationally. For more information, please visit www.britac.ac.uk