The UK has experienced a sharp decline overall in the uptake of languages since 2004, as evidenced by the falling number of entries for GCSE and A Level examinations in languages. At a time when the UK government seeks to reset its global economic relationships as part of its vision of 'Global Britain', such a decline is likely to have negative…

Higher education plays a fundamental role in the construction of a European citizenship that demands the development of plurilingual competences. Although the Bologna Process highlights that development (relating it to mobility, employability and lifelong learning), language education does not seem to be a priority in the agenda of higher…

This commentary on language curricula in universities is followed up commentaries by a language center director, on perspectives from a Spanish department, the case of Japanese, the role of foreign languages in universities, and foreign language enrollment numbers. (VWL)

Notes the declining enrollments in language courses and the national lack of support for language studies. Five objectives to be sought in increasing university language studies, especially at advanced levels, are outlined. (CHK)

The decline in enrollment in foreign language study in Australia is due partly to the belief in the universality of English. Learning difficulties may be overcome by beginning language instruction in primary school. Diplomatic and military personnel may require a foreign language, as may international businessmen. (CHK)

Address delivered at the first ADFL Summer Seminar for Chairmen on June 21, 1971 at Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont. Discusses the situation of foreign language teaching in the United States, and the need for imaginative and inspiring teachers. (DS)

Speech delivered at the National Council on the Humanities, on October 21, 1971, in Washington, D.C. Author is Executive Secretary of the Modern Language Association of America. (DS)

Argues for an awareness on the part of employers and teachers of the important role language skills can play in industry. (AM)

Following a brief review of the history of interest in foreign languages in America, facts to be considered when interpreting falling enrollment statistics, such as a drop in the birth rate, are discussed. It is stressed that foreign language teaching cannot be neglected in a world having improved and extensive communication between people…

This paper outlines both negative and affirmative approaches to the issue of whether the public should be aware of a foreign language program. The negative approach would consider the diminishing demand for foreign languages for basic communicative needs in the United States and the conviction on the part of the public that it only needs one…

This work is one in a series that focuses on nine languages representing the bulk of the second language learning effort in Australian education (Arabic, Modern Standard Chinese, French, German, Modern Greek, Indonesian/Malay, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish). These languages were categorized as the Languages of Wider Teaching. This particular work…

This paper examines the question of language loyalty in the United States and explores the implications that the institutional teaching of modern languages may have for ethnic language maintenance. The education of United States ethnics has always resulted in the loss of the ethnic tongue as a resource. However, although negative attitudes toward…

Enrollment trends and factors that influence foreign language study in colleges and universities are discussed. Most college foreign language programs have emphasized the study of literature and have not been committed to the training of teachers or the teaching of civilization or culture. It appears that students' concern about the job market and…

This profile in outline form of the English language teaching situation in Tunisia provides a brief survey of the distribution of languages and their use in various domains, and the role of English is described. Statistical information concerning general school enrollment is followed by information summarizing the role of English in secondary…