Podcast
Questions and Answers
What primary issue is the UK facing due to Brexit?
What primary issue is the UK facing due to Brexit?
What percentage of Britons reportedly speak a foreign language?
What percentage of Britons reportedly speak a foreign language?
Which two languages are specifically mentioned as being beneficial for job seekers in the UK?
Which two languages are specifically mentioned as being beneficial for job seekers in the UK?
By what percentage has the number of students taking language exams in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland dropped since 2002?
By what percentage has the number of students taking language exams in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland dropped since 2002?
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What is one of the serious concerns revealed by UK employers regarding Britons?
What is one of the serious concerns revealed by UK employers regarding Britons?
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What is the estimated financial impact of the UK's lack of translating and interpreting skills?
What is the estimated financial impact of the UK's lack of translating and interpreting skills?
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What is the percentage decrease in graduates with a degree in modern languages between 2008 and 2018?
What is the percentage decrease in graduates with a degree in modern languages between 2008 and 2018?
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What type of specialists does the UK need more of to address the language skills shortage?
What type of specialists does the UK need more of to address the language skills shortage?
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What minimum annual salary is required for new visa applications for individuals born outside the UK?
What minimum annual salary is required for new visa applications for individuals born outside the UK?
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What comparison does the author make regarding foreign language skills?
What comparison does the author make regarding foreign language skills?
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Which of the following is cited as a consequence of inadequate foreign language communication skills in the UK?
Which of the following is cited as a consequence of inadequate foreign language communication skills in the UK?
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Why might employees with foreign language skills earn higher salaries?
Why might employees with foreign language skills earn higher salaries?
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What does the author imply is necessary for the UK's post-Brexit future?
What does the author imply is necessary for the UK's post-Brexit future?
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Which statement best reflects the author's view on the significance of English in business?
Which statement best reflects the author's view on the significance of English in business?
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How does the author characterize the foreign language skills of the UK population?
How does the author characterize the foreign language skills of the UK population?
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What impact does the author suggest stronger foreign language skills could have on the UK economy?
What impact does the author suggest stronger foreign language skills could have on the UK economy?
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Study Notes
Brexit and Language Skills
- The UK faced a major challenge in effectively communicating with non-English-speaking countries after Brexit due to limited foreign language skills.
- British foreign language skills lag behind those of its closest trading partners, France and Germany.
- Approximately one in three Britons speak a foreign language compared to 60% of the French and 78% of the Germans.
- While many believe English is the universal language of business and technology, the UK is experiencing financial losses due to its lack of translation and interpretation skills.
- A survey revealed that 600 UK employers expressed concern about British workers' lack of international experiences and cultural understanding.
- According to the text, knowledge of German or French can increase a British worker's annual salary to over £30,000 (€34,710).
- The number of students taking foreign language exams has decreased by 45% since 2002, and university graduates with modern language degrees have decreased by 54% between 2008 and 2018.
The Future of Language Skills in the UK
- The text highlights the need for more UK graduates with foreign language skills and cultural understanding, especially in fields like law and business.
- A shortage of qualified language teachers is anticipated due to the UK's impending immigration restrictions.
- New visa applications for non-UK citizens require a minimum annual salary of £30,000 which may limit the number of qualified foreign language teachers who can work there.
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Description
This quiz explores the implications of Brexit on language skills in the UK, highlighting the declining proficiency in foreign languages among Britons compared to their European counterparts. It discusses the financial and cultural repercussions faced by UK businesses and workers due to limited language abilities and international experience.
