The state of Languages learning in the UK

The study of languages including French, German and Spanish has seen -significant decreases- leading to a concern that language learning may disappear altogether in some -cold spots- of the UK. A new report has highlighted the fall in numbers over the past decade of those studying undergraduate degrees solely focussed on languages. " Languages Learning in Higher Education: Granular Trends " is a joint study between the University Council of Modern Languages (UCML) and the British Academy, Professor Emma Cayley, Chair of UCML and Head of School of Languages, Cultures and Societies at the University of Leeds said: "The UCML report exposes worrying gaps in geographical coverage and uneven spread of language degree provision across preand post-92 institutions. "We hope that it will prove useful to language-providers in HE among other groups, helping to shape and strengthen the study of languages and cultures across the UK." Cold Spots. The report found considerable variation in language learning by UK region, which threatens the emergence of 'cold spots' - areas where language courses do not exist. Language learning at post-92 universities has all but disappeared in some regions, which has implications for access to language studies and government attempts to address regional inequalities. The 'cold spots' were identified as East Midlands, East of England, and the West Midlands.