University Axioms Under Fire as Foreign Language Degrees Are Axed
In an effort to adapt to the changing educational landscape, universities have been quietly axing foreign language degrees, citing dwindling student demand and a "societal shift." However, experts argue that this move may be shortsighted, particularly when it comes to nurturing future generations of linguists and cultural ambassadors.
The UK is witnessing a significant decline in students pursuing foreign languages at degree level. With nearly 50 centres of French, German, Italian and Iberian studies having closed or shrunk over the past five years, many worry that the closure of these programmes will have long-term consequences for graduates and the economy.
Duolingo's UK country director, Michael Lynas, is sounding a warning bell. "There's no good substitute for the hard graft of learning a language," he said, highlighting the unique cultural value that comes from immersing oneself in another culture through language study.
Data reveals that Duolingo users under 22 are most prolific, bucking the trend of declining interest in foreign languages among students. According to Lynas, being able to converse in someone else's language "shows respect and makes connections" in a unique way.
Experts like Megan Bowler, author of the Higher Education Policy Institute report on "the languages crisis," are warning that graduate linguists possess valuable skills and intellectual values that are becoming increasingly essential in an age of AI. The closure of languages programmes may be shortsighted, potentially stunting the development of future generations of cultural diplomats.
Notable graduates who have benefited from studying foreign languages argue that these skills are vital for their careers, enabling them to navigate diverse business challenges, connect with people from different backgrounds, and access international opportunities.
The axing of foreign language degrees has also been linked to Brexit, which has reduced the appeal of studying languages as a potential career path in Brussels, Paris, and other EU cities. With fewer students pursuing A-level languages and subsequent degree courses, universities are struggling to justify the closure of programmes that have traditionally attracted passionate students.
In response to the decline in interest, some universities claim that a "societal shift" is driving the fall in applications. However, experts point out that this explanation fails to account for the decades-long pipeline leak from English schools, where A-level French and German numbers have plummeted over the past three decades.
With language students dwindling at an alarming rate, it remains to be seen whether universities will reassess their priorities and reinstate foreign language degrees.
In an effort to adapt to the changing educational landscape, universities have been quietly axing foreign language degrees, citing dwindling student demand and a "societal shift." However, experts argue that this move may be shortsighted, particularly when it comes to nurturing future generations of linguists and cultural ambassadors.
The UK is witnessing a significant decline in students pursuing foreign languages at degree level. With nearly 50 centres of French, German, Italian and Iberian studies having closed or shrunk over the past five years, many worry that the closure of these programmes will have long-term consequences for graduates and the economy.
Duolingo's UK country director, Michael Lynas, is sounding a warning bell. "There's no good substitute for the hard graft of learning a language," he said, highlighting the unique cultural value that comes from immersing oneself in another culture through language study.
Data reveals that Duolingo users under 22 are most prolific, bucking the trend of declining interest in foreign languages among students. According to Lynas, being able to converse in someone else's language "shows respect and makes connections" in a unique way.
Experts like Megan Bowler, author of the Higher Education Policy Institute report on "the languages crisis," are warning that graduate linguists possess valuable skills and intellectual values that are becoming increasingly essential in an age of AI. The closure of languages programmes may be shortsighted, potentially stunting the development of future generations of cultural diplomats.
Notable graduates who have benefited from studying foreign languages argue that these skills are vital for their careers, enabling them to navigate diverse business challenges, connect with people from different backgrounds, and access international opportunities.
The axing of foreign language degrees has also been linked to Brexit, which has reduced the appeal of studying languages as a potential career path in Brussels, Paris, and other EU cities. With fewer students pursuing A-level languages and subsequent degree courses, universities are struggling to justify the closure of programmes that have traditionally attracted passionate students.
In response to the decline in interest, some universities claim that a "societal shift" is driving the fall in applications. However, experts point out that this explanation fails to account for the decades-long pipeline leak from English schools, where A-level French and German numbers have plummeted over the past three decades.
With language students dwindling at an alarming rate, it remains to be seen whether universities will reassess their priorities and reinstate foreign language degrees.
. Like, what's next? Are we gonna get rid of art history classes too? 
I know not everyone needs to speak fluent Spanish or Mandarin, but come on, these languages are the backbone of so many cultures and careers. It's crazy how universities are just ditching them like they're nobody's business. And can we talk about the value of being able to communicate with people from different backgrounds? That's what makes the world interesting, right? 
I mean, Duolingo might not be a traditional school program, but it shows that there's still interest in languages out there – especially among younger folks like 22-year-olds. We need more programs like that! 
i mean, we're already living in an age where our language skills are being super depreciated with AI and automation taking over all these jobs...but if we can't even learn the basics of another culture, how r u gonna navigate the world? 
duolingo users under 22 are proof that you don't need some ancient university degree to speak a language...but there's still value in immersing yourself in an actual culture, not just playing a language game 
not just because some uni says its cool. I mean, what's the point of studying a language if you're just gonna be stuck with a degree that doesn't lead anywhere? And now they're saying it's 'shortsighted' to keep those languages going? Come on! You can't just expect people to magically speak fluent French or German without putting in some serious work 
. And don't even get me started on Duolingo, that's just a Band-Aid on the problem 
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it makes me think maybe universities shd focus more on immersion kinda like how u do when u're watchin anime 
meanwhile, only 20% of UK uni students are studying languages 
Duolingo's user data is defo on the rise for youngins under 22 
experts r right tho, language skills r key 4 future cultural diplomats & problem solvers 
What's next? Getting rid of history or arts classes? 
Plus, it's not like students aren't interested - Duolingo users under 22 are killing the game! 
I'd love to see universities find ways to adapt and make foreign languages more appealing again. Maybe they should focus on making language learning more accessible and fun? 
. I love that Duolingo is still on top of things with all the young folks learning their languages though - it's like, you can't replicate the real deal by watching vids and doing exercises 
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. Language is so much more than just speaking - it's about culture, history, understanding... everything 
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. They gotta listen to the experts and the students too - we can't just assume everyone's gonna be fluent in English because of Brexit 
. It's time to get creative and find new ways to teach languages, but still keep 'em on the curriculum 
.