IMN Content - Lifestyle and Consumer Content

Je ne comprends pas: Brits Amongst the Worst at Learning Languages

New research out today has revealed that only 35% of Brits speak a second language. Over six in ten people do not think that languages are given enough significance in education.
Lifestyle, World - 11 May 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Sylke Riester| Login to Download

You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly.
  News Hooks:

New research has shown that only 35% of Brits speak a second language, but almost two thirds of people would like to learn a foreign language believing it would improve confidence (60%), provide more career opportunities (64%) as well as enhancing travel experiences (73%).

Over six in ten of people think that languages are not given enough significance in education, with over half of pupils not taking a language at GCSE level and three quarters of people admitting they regret not placing more importance on language learning when they were younger.

Four in ten employers feel that foreign language skills are important when recruiting a potential employee and have seen the demand for employees with language skills grow in the past year. It seems that employees put an equal importance on languages in the work place, believing the skill makes them stand out (70%), offers better career prospects (73%) and job security (42%).

. Introduction:

Bonjour mon auditeurs, aujourd’hui nous parlons des langues… in English; ‘Hello listeners, today we are talking about languages!’ A new survey out today has revealed that only a third of Brits speak a second language and regret not taking more of an interest when younger. Having language skills can make you more confident, open up better career prospects and make you stand out more to potential employers.

So just how easier is it to pick up a new language?

Joining me to discuss this further is Sylke Riester, a language learning expert who speaks English, Dutch and German and is currently learning Swedish!

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research show about attitudes towards learning attitudes in our area?

How easy is it to begin to learn a new language?

Do you think there is enough emphasis put on learning a language during school?

What benefits does speaking a second language have?

What advice would you give people who are interested in learning a new language?

Where can we find out more information?