We are forever hearing about the state of language education in the UK and the struggles that many institutions are facing with not only attracting students but also finding qualified language teachers, but there are encouraging signs that the tide may soon be turning.
The University of Aberdeen faced significant opposition when it proposed ending single honours degrees in languages like French, Gaelic, German, and Spanish due to low enrolment and financial deficits. The backlash from staff, students, and the public led to an extension of the consultation process. Other universities are finding ways to maintain and even expand their language offerings. The University of Surrey has been recognised for its excellence in modern languages, ranking among the top five UK universities for the languages and linguistics. Strong pastoral support and an emphasis on employability have helped keep students engaged.
In 2024, The Guardian reported a concerted effort to promote German language studies in the UK, highlighting initiatives by the Goethe-Institut and support from the UK Department for Education. These efforts aim to counteract the decline in German language learning by emphasizing cultural enrichment and economic benefits, such as enhanced job prospects and opportunities for free university education in Germany. The German Embassy in London, together with the Goethe-Institut UK and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) will also be celebrating German language learning over March with their #ShoutOutForGerman campaign which will be taking place over the 17th – 21st. Similar promotions have seen a resurgence in learning Latin which has seen an increase in non-selective schools offering the subject. The key findings of the Language Trends England report predict an increase in French/German and Spanish learning at GCSE level and additional languages at A-Level.
While language learning in the UK still faces challenges, these signs of improvement suggest that renewed investment, creative teaching, and targeted support can help reverse the decline. The key will be sustaining these positive efforts and ensuring that students across the country have access to high-quality language education.
