Why language learning is so important for young people today
Monday, 14th September 2009
Ten years ago, the findings of a report into the state of languages in the UK (the Nuffield Inquiry) were published.
Chaired by Sir Trevor McDonald, the inquiry found that young people in the UK were at a disadvantage in the recruitment market because of their foreign language shortcomings. It also highlighted a lack of motivation for language learning amongst teenagers, and a general need for language learning to begin from an earlier age.
According to Kathryn Board, Chief Executive of CILT, these messages still hold true today. She argues that it is actually more important than ever for young people to be proficient in at least one foreign language.
The latest CBI (the UK’s top business lobby organisation) skills survey showed that 74% of UK employers are looking for conversational language skills. Without these skills, UK jobseekers will not be able to compete in the global recruitment market. If UK employers cannot find British people with language skills to employ, the likelihood is that they will recruit from abroad…
Measures have been put in place within the education system to promote successful language learning amongst children and teenagers over the last few years, but with motivation to learn still an issue, youngsters should be encouraged in their language learning pursuits as much as possible outside of school too.
Find out more about how to help your child with their foreign language learning.
Tags: children, language learning, language, languages, tailor-made, italian, german, learning, french, spanish
Posted by Laura Lippert 2009-09 under
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Posted by nada on 10/06 at 08:16 PM
thankyou very much for this information