Menu
28/11/2012
NI Under-Performing On Foreign Languages
Northern Ireland is under-prepared to meet its need for linguists in the future, according to a new report.
The British Council warned Northern Ireland needs to give learning foreign languages a higher priority.
It said NI was "a long way from being self-sufficient in producing linguists in languages likely to be needed" by its businesses."
In particular, the lack of Asian language speakers and speakers of a wider range of European languages was seen as worrying.
But the Council noted Northern Ireland was in line with a wider trend across the UK.
It said: "Queen's University Belfast closed its German department in 2009, reflecting the squeeze on languages in higher education which is being felt across the UK."
The British Council's Language Rich Europe report was carried out to see how different European countries approached the teaching and use of regional, minority and foreign languages.
It was found the situation regarding modern foreign languages in secondary schools in Northern Ireland has declined since languages were made optional after the first three years of secondary education.
The 2007 curriculum reform saw a 19% drop in students sitting GCSE examinations over three years with French, as the first foreign language taught, being the worst hit.
Spanish is the second most widely taught modern language and is managing to maintain numbers, but German has suffered declines.
The report did point out the effect of Northern Ireland’s history on the teaching of languages.
"From being a country of emigration and conflict in the late 20th century it has become more peaceful and more globally connected with an increase in tourism, low cost air travel and immigration," the report said.
"Its history makes it sensitive to issues of language and culture and the measures adopted so far have been inclusive. However, as the Language Rich Europe research shows, Northern Ireland has a weak profile as regards foreign language learning and now needs to give this a much higher priority at all levels in the education system."
(IT)
The British Council warned Northern Ireland needs to give learning foreign languages a higher priority.
It said NI was "a long way from being self-sufficient in producing linguists in languages likely to be needed" by its businesses."
In particular, the lack of Asian language speakers and speakers of a wider range of European languages was seen as worrying.
But the Council noted Northern Ireland was in line with a wider trend across the UK.
It said: "Queen's University Belfast closed its German department in 2009, reflecting the squeeze on languages in higher education which is being felt across the UK."
The British Council's Language Rich Europe report was carried out to see how different European countries approached the teaching and use of regional, minority and foreign languages.
It was found the situation regarding modern foreign languages in secondary schools in Northern Ireland has declined since languages were made optional after the first three years of secondary education.
The 2007 curriculum reform saw a 19% drop in students sitting GCSE examinations over three years with French, as the first foreign language taught, being the worst hit.
Spanish is the second most widely taught modern language and is managing to maintain numbers, but German has suffered declines.
The report did point out the effect of Northern Ireland’s history on the teaching of languages.
"From being a country of emigration and conflict in the late 20th century it has become more peaceful and more globally connected with an increase in tourism, low cost air travel and immigration," the report said.
"Its history makes it sensitive to issues of language and culture and the measures adopted so far have been inclusive. However, as the Language Rich Europe research shows, Northern Ireland has a weak profile as regards foreign language learning and now needs to give this a much higher priority at all levels in the education system."
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 July 2024
Voting Underway Across Northern Ireland
Poll are open across Northern Ireland as part of the UK-wide General Election. A total of 136 candidates are competing across 18 constituencies. 127 of the candidates represent 11 total political parties, with the other 9 standing as independents. Eligible voters can cast their vote until 10pm tonight.
Voting Underway Across Northern Ireland
Poll are open across Northern Ireland as part of the UK-wide General Election. A total of 136 candidates are competing across 18 constituencies. 127 of the candidates represent 11 total political parties, with the other 9 standing as independents. Eligible voters can cast their vote until 10pm tonight.
19 July 2024
The Evolution Of UX Design In The UK: From London To Northern Ireland
The UK presents a huge, dynamic landscape of UX design—from several cultures to economic trends and technological influences across regions. From London streets to more secluded innovation hubs in Northern Ireland, UX design dramatically changed with the needs and demands of multiple sectors.
The Evolution Of UX Design In The UK: From London To Northern Ireland
The UK presents a huge, dynamic landscape of UX design—from several cultures to economic trends and technological influences across regions. From London streets to more secluded innovation hubs in Northern Ireland, UX design dramatically changed with the needs and demands of multiple sectors.
11 July 2024
Northern Ireland Private Sector Ends Q2 In Strong Growth
The June report from the Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI Growth Tracker indicates that the Northern Ireland private sector concluded the second quarter of the year well within growth territory. New orders grew at the quickest rate since February 2022, leading to a significant increase in business activity.
Northern Ireland Private Sector Ends Q2 In Strong Growth
The June report from the Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI Growth Tracker indicates that the Northern Ireland private sector concluded the second quarter of the year well within growth territory. New orders grew at the quickest rate since February 2022, leading to a significant increase in business activity.
27 June 2024
Available Player Protection Measures in Northern Ireland
The iGaming sector has become increasingly popular in recent years, which raised the need for more comprehensive industry regulations. Many countries have already accepted appropriate legislation and initiated specific authorities controlling casinos' compliance with the existing requirements.
Available Player Protection Measures in Northern Ireland
The iGaming sector has become increasingly popular in recent years, which raised the need for more comprehensive industry regulations. Many countries have already accepted appropriate legislation and initiated specific authorities controlling casinos' compliance with the existing requirements.
17 June 2024
Northern Ireland's Role Inside The Fintech Landscape
As of 2024, Northern Ireland as a nation holds the prestigious place of being in the top three areas for the future of fintech, only behind giants like London and Singapore. In many areas, it outperforms many major American and European cities, and investment is only increasing.
Northern Ireland's Role Inside The Fintech Landscape
As of 2024, Northern Ireland as a nation holds the prestigious place of being in the top three areas for the future of fintech, only behind giants like London and Singapore. In many areas, it outperforms many major American and European cities, and investment is only increasing.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with scattered showers, some of these could be heavy in the afternoon. Becoming mostly dry by evening with increasing amounts of sunshine. Feeling rather warm. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A bright end to the day with any showers quickly dying out. Dry overnight with long clear spells and light winds. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
