Across schools and universities, language departments are under threat. Courses are being cut, departments downsized, and opportunities to learn languages are diminishing. The justification? Languages are seen as “non-essential”, difficult, or only beneficial to a small number of students. This thinking is not just misguided – it is deeply damaging to education as a whole.
Language learning isn’t just for those who are “good at languages”. It benefits everyone, shaping how we think, process information, and engage with the world. Strong language courses enhance education across all disciplines, from science to business, from history to mathematics. What other subjects can make you better at everything else you study?
It’s time to reverse the trend of language closures and recognise that language learning isn’t just about words – it’s about thinking better, seeing the world differently, and gaining an advantage in every subject.
Languages Are for Everyone, Not Just Linguists
One of the biggest misconceptions about language learning is that it’s only for a select few – the “naturals” who pick up accents easily or seem to memorise vocabulary effortlessly. But the truth is, language learning benefits everyone.
Even if a student struggles, engaging with another language sharpens their cognitive skills, improves memory, and strengthens problem-solving abilities. It builds resilience and creativity, as learners find new ways to express themselves with limited vocabulary. This flexibility of thought benefits not just those aiming for advanced study of a language but also those studying other subjects.
Languages also teach persistence. Many students give up on subjects they don’t immediately excel at, but language learning encourages them to keep going, making mistakes and learning from them and focusing on the longer term. This mindset is crucial not just for mastering languages but for succeeding in any field.
Languages Open Up the World – In Every Discipline
Cutting language courses limits students’ access to opportunities, knowledge and global perspectives. No matter what field students enter, language skills set them apart.
- STEM and Medicine
Scientific research is international. Knowing another language allows scientists to collaborate across borders, read articles in the original language, and access a broader pool of knowledge. In medicine, doctors who speak multiple languages can communicate directly with patients, leading to better healthcare outcomes. - Business and Economics
In an interconnected world, businesses need employees who can negotiate deals, understand cultural nuances, and communicate effectively with international clients. Language skills are a huge advantage in global markets. - History, Politics and International Relations
Understanding history or global politics without language skills is like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. The ability to read original documents, interpret speeches and understand different perspectives is invaluable. - The Arts and Literature
Literature, film, music and theatre are best understood in their original languages. Translations, however good, can never fully capture the depth, rhythm and cultural significance of a work. Learning languages deepens appreciation and critical interpretation of artistic works.
Languages Improve Careers and Social Mobility
One of the strongest arguments for expanding language courses is the career advantage they provide. Employers across all industries value multilingual candidates, even in roles where a second language isn’t strictly necessary. Language skills demonstrate adaptability, heightened communication abilities, and a global mindset.
For students from disadvantaged backgrounds, language skills can be life-changing. They open up opportunities to travel and study abroad, international scholarships, and careers that might otherwise seem out of reach. In a competitive job market, knowing a second language can be the factor that sets one candidate apart from another.
Cultural Understanding and Global Awareness
In today’s world, cultural literacy is just as important as technical knowledge. Learning a language isn’t just about words – it’s about understanding other ways of thinking and seeing the world. It encourages empathy, challenges stereotypes, and helps students engage meaningfully with different cultures.
At a time when international collaboration is more important than ever – whether in science, business or politics – cutting languages is a step in the wrong direction. Language learning builds bridges, reduces misunderstandings, and creates more globally aware citizens.
Reversing the Decline: What Schools and Universities Can Do
Instead of cutting language courses, there are so many reasons why educational institutions should be expanding them. Here are just a few things that could be done (with the will AND the funding):
- Make Languages Compulsory for Longer
Many students drop languages early because they see them as optional. Keeping languages in the curriculum for longer helps students develop real proficiency and reap the cognitive benefits. - Offer a Wider Range of Languages
Schools often focus on just a few European languages, but students should have access to a broader range, including Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, and less commonly taught languages. The more choice, the better. - Integrate Language Learning with Other Subjects
Language learning shouldn’t be isolated. Schools should connect it with history, geography, science and business to show its real-world applications. - Invest in Language Teachers and Opportunities to Study Abroad
Many schools cut languages due to budget constraints, but investing in good language teachers and exchange courses has long-term benefits. Students who study abroad or interact with native speakers develop not just language skills but confidence and independence. - Promote the Real-World Benefits of Language Learning
Too often, students don’t see the value of learning a language. Schools need to highlight how languages boost career prospects, academic performance and cognitive skills. Universities should emphasise the fact that multilingual graduates have a competitive edge in every field.
Languages Should Be at the Heart of Education
Closing language departments and reducing language provision isn’t just a loss for linguists – it’s a loss for everyone. Languages train the brain, develop a whole host of additional, valuable skills, and open up new perspectives. They improve academic performance across all subjects and provide a career advantage that very few other disciplines can offer.
Instead of cutting languages, schools and universities should be expanding them. Every student – whether they go on to specialise in languages or not – benefits from learning a language or two. It’s time to stop seeing languages as optional and recognise them as the educational superpower they truly are.
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