The ability to communicate with and trade with foreign countries is an important factor in the global economy. In the United Kingdom, there is a fear that a lack of language ability is creating a skills shortage that could negatively impact on the competitiveness and success of the economy. It is estimated that 75% of people in the United Kingdom cannot speak a foreign language. This lack of language diversity makes it harder for businesses to market and sell their products overseas. This is a serious concern for business, particularly given that a CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey suggested languages were likely to continue to grow in importance. It is believed that 41% of businesses believe that knowledge of a foreign language is beneficial for staff to possess, whilst 28% believed that this could help their company grow overseas. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) which have a languages strategy and invest in staff with language skills are shown to be able to achieve 44% more export sales than those which don't.
Which Languages Are In Demand
The British Council has identified 10 languages as vital to the future prosperity and global standing of the United Kingdom. These are Spanish, Arabic, French, Mandarin Chinese, German, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Turkish and Japanese. The diversity in the languages in demand reflects geo-political changes in the global economy. Whilst demand from businesses for speakers of traditional European languages such as French, German and Spanish. Has continued. The strength of the Middle Eastern economy and the explosion of China within the global economy has seen the demand for Arabic and Mandarin grow.
How Is The Education System Responding?
The increased demand for language skills has seen a number of significant developments. First of all there has been the introduction of compulsory language education for children over the age of seven, a significant change that the government hopes will create a culture of language learning. Secondly, the British Council has made a call to revive the traditional language exchanges to boost language learning. There are no quick fixes to this skills shortage, but it is further evidence that children that develop their language skills will have a competitive advantage in future workplaces.