| Author (Person) | Roberts, Daniel |
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| Publisher | Gorwel |
| Publication Date | June 2018 |
| Content Type | Report |
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The Welsh think tank Gorwel published a paper called Mind your language. A short report into Wales, Brexit and the study of Modern Foreign Languages by its President, David Melding AM, on the 1 May 2018. The main findings of this research were that the study of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) wass in a serious state of decline in Wales with little sign that it would increase in the short term. In turn, Brexit would have a significant impact on the way Welsh businesses interacted with their partners across the globe and on the level of, and type of demand for, the use of foreign languages. Wales currently exported a significant percentage of its goods and services to European Union member states. Many of these exports were to nation states which did not have English as their native language. At the same time the so-called 'Brexit benefit' of being outside of the EU to build up new and existing economic relations would require the development of foreign language ability. Therefore, the need to encourage far greater study of MFL amongst at least the business and commercial population was central to Wales thriving as an international trading nation. In this report the number of people in Wales studying languages, and access to MFL education at all levels to fluency, were assessed. The report identified that across Wales there was clear evidence that provision of many key languages was not available outside of schools. Although some schemes had been introduced in Wales to improve language take-up, these would not provide the required MFL study boost in the period leading up to Brexit and the transition period. The study found that those living in the least prosperous Welsh communities and those most in need of boosting economic activity through international trade were also those least likely to undertake MFL education. The report concluded by giving a number of recommendations of how to increase MFL study amongst both the school and wider population. These were essential if Welsh business and commerce were to remain competitive in world markets in the post Brexit period. They would also need to be started immediately. |
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| Source Link | http://www.gorwel.co/wordpress/?p=3417 |
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| Countries / Regions | Wales |
