Is Brexit stopping young people learning modern foreign languages?

Since the referendum, there has been a change in attitude with 80% teachers in state schools* saying that their pupils are less likely to learn a language as they have been put off by the Brexit climate and the difficulty of GCSE and A level exams.

Some parents have even discouraged their children from learning a new language since we are leaving the European Union. However, languages are even more in demand post Brexit. It is increasingly important for jobs that candidates brush up their language skills. British companies want to prove to European customers that they still want to do business with them and a multilingual staff is essential in securing overseas contracts.

‘You Speak French’ is a local provider of French lessons, bridging this gap and helping young people or adults achieve fluency in French. Learning a language is fun if you are prepared to leave your comfort zone.

Britain lags behind the rest of Europe. Over half of Europeans speak a second language. It is estimated that only 25% of British adults speak a second language. The age-old excuse that “everyone speaks English” is no longer true. In fact, it is estimated that 70% of the world’s population does not speak English. Having a second language will give British companies the edge. Even a little effort in speaking a foreign language will go a long way to thawing those post Brexit chills.

*According to a recent report by the British Council