Press Release

Sir Trevor calls for more 'joined-up thinking' on languages

9 December 2005

In his first major speech since the Nuffield Inquiry report in 2000, on Monday Sir Trevor McDonald will say that the need for Britain to learn languages is felt even more strongly than five years ago and will call for support to increase numbers studying languages in secondary, higher and adult education.

He will welcome the DfES’s National Languages Strategy for England, but will point to the need to ensure ‘joined-up thinking’ across a range of government departments to support the drive for better language skills.

Speaking at CILT’s Languages for Competitive Advantage event, which launches Talking sense – a study of language skills management in major companies, Sir Trevor will emphasise the growing need for language skills and intercultural understanding, saying:

‘We are a trading nation and we cannot stress strongly enough the need for languages to support our export drive and sales of our goods abroad. But we also need to learn from other nations, to enjoy their cultures and their insights.’

English is not enough, he will say, to tackle the huge international issues which face us today.

German Ambassador Thomas Matussek, who will deliver his ‘farewell’ speech on video at the event will also highlight the economic value of language skills, specifically German, reminding delegates that Germany is the number one trading partner for almost all the European countries and the world’s third-biggest economy.

Before leaving the UK to take up his new post in Delhi, the Ambassador will stress the political importance of languages if Britain is to play a full role in Europe and the world, saying:

‘It is because I believe that languages have an essential part to play in shaping the future of this partnership by enhancing understanding that I have made promotion of language learning such a priority in my work’.

On Monday, Sir Trevor McDonald will receive a Comenius Fellowship, awarded by CILT, the National Centre for Languages in recognition of successful long-term endeavour in promoting language teaching and learning.