Student Soapbox: “Language Degrees”
In the age of Google Translate and English as the global language, I cannot sometimes help but feel I am being told that my languages degree is irrelevant. Everyone speaks English nowadays anyway right?
The statistics are sadly not telling me anything different. Languages courses are in free fall: university applications have plummeted and department closures are accelerating uncontrollably. Labour’s detrimental decision to cut language requirements at GCSE sums up the UK’s lacklustre for languages.
I am fed up with this country’s perception of languages degrees being a waste of time. “Oh how nice…so what are you exactly going to do with that, spend your summer holidays in France?” I could ask you the same thing about your Physics or your English Literature degree. Few degrees follow a straight route towards one career: we have all heard about that notorious term ‘transferable skills’.
I am fed up with this country’s perception of languages degrees being a waste of time.
I am acquiring all the skills any bog-standard arts student does, yet in another language. It is about cultural awareness, adaptability and relational thinking. Of all which are extremely relevant in this increasingly globally-connected world. Languages students study literature, history, politics and film – not to mention verb conjugations and when to use the subjunctive. We are open to new horizons and challenges. Our year abroad has proven we can adapt to change and communicate confidently and enthusiastically with others. Most importantly, we are exportable. These to me seem very attractive traits.
We have relied for far too long on the fact that English is the international language of business. Recruiters are increasingly seeking graduates with a language degree, yet the skill pool is relatively slim pickings. British graduates are losing out in the international job market due to inadequate language skills. In an increasingly competitive and international environment, English does not always cut it.
Perhaps I should be revelling in the shortage of languages graduates. It must surely make my employment prospects soar. Maybe my so-called ‘hobby’ will be of some use after all.
Comments (3)
It’s a bit of a myth that ‘everyone knows English nowadays anyway’ and is the farcical excuse given by people whose only attempt at learning a language extended to being able to name a house in French. Certainly in major tourists areas, the locals are generally accustomed to the language but try to talk with them about the foreign policy of America say, and you will soon see their knowledge of English has very significant gaps. This is even more true outside of the major tourist areas. Furthermore Google translate is completely useless for any language outside of the Romance branch developed by Latin (and it is barely acceptable for Spanish). Language learning is still needed due to the increasing prevalence of online business interfaces which require a translator for the proceedings to work; etc. Get off your high horse Britain and learn about another culture instead of expecting others to embrace yours.
great writing as alllllways