Universities across the United Kingdom are eliminating foreign language degrees and entire departments, citing a significant decline in student demand attributed to a “societal shift.” The trend raises questions about the future of language education in an increasingly interconnected world.
Many institutions are reporting that the appeal of learning languages has diminished, leading to the closure or downsizing of nearly 50 centres dedicated to French, German, Italian, and Iberian studies over the past five years. Nottingham University is the latest to announce potential cuts, reflecting a broader crisis in language education, according to a report from the Higher Education Policy Institute.
Demand for Language Skills Remains Strong
Despite these closures, evidence suggests that young people still have an interest in learning languages. Michael Lynas, UK country director for the language app Duolingo, argues that no technological advancement can replace the value of learning a language. “Sometimes people say, ‘There’s translation apps now, so why would you need to learn a language?’ But that’s not what young people in the UK are saying,” Lynas stated. Data from Duolingo indicates that users under 22 are the most active learners, spending more time on the platform than any other age group.
Lynas emphasizes the cultural significance of language acquisition, noting that it fosters meaningful connections and demonstrates respect for other cultures. “The UK is part of a global and interconnected world, and there’s a need to reach out to other people in ways that translation tools can’t manage,” he added.
Concerns Over Future Language Programs
The report authored by Megan Bowler highlights the urgent need for a national strategy to safeguard language studies. Bowler, who is both a postgraduate student and lecturer at Oxford University, warns that the closure of language programs could be shortsighted, especially in the age of artificial intelligence. “Graduate linguists are interdisciplinary thinkers who approach subtle nuances with a sophisticated awareness of societal and historical context,” she explained.
The decline in student enrollment is stark. Over the past three decades, the number of students taking A-level French has dropped from nearly 30,000 to below 10,000, while A-level German students have plummeted from 10,000 to around 2,000 annually. Although Spanish has seen some improvement, the overall trend remains concerning, with fewer GCSE students progressing to A-level and university language studies.
Concerns about the shrinking space for language studies are echoed by Dr. Emma Staniland, a lecturer at Leicester University, who expressed her distress at hearing final-year students question their choice of major due to uncertainty about the future of the department. “Those who do come to university to study this subject are largely driven by a passion for it,” Staniland said.
Moreover, Dr. Maite Usoz de la Fuente, also from Leicester University, pointed to the impact of Brexit on language education. The new political landscape has made certain career paths in the EU less accessible, further discouraging students from pursuing foreign languages. “The possibility is now much harder. There’s a barrier now to just simply going abroad and working as a British national,” Usoz de la Fuente noted.
The decision to cut language programs at universities like Nottingham and Leicester raises critical questions about the future of language education in the UK. As society becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to communicate across cultures may prove more valuable than ever, making the trend of reducing language studies increasingly perplexing.
The implications of these shifts extend beyond academia, potentially affecting the broader job market and global engagement. For graduates like Hannah Sutcliffe, who co-founded a virtual reality training startup, the skills gained from studying languages have been invaluable. “They’ve allowed me to connect meaningfully with people from diverse backgrounds, approach business challenges with empathy and nuance, and navigate international opportunities with confidence,” she reflected.
As the landscape of language education continues to evolve, the need for a robust strategy to support and promote language studies remains paramount.
