Posted 16 Dec 2008

Pupils in Britain should learn languages from an earlier age and for longer, it has been suggested.

Mike Baker, writing for the Guardian, said the UK is "worryingly out of step" with the rest of Europe when it comes to teaching foreign languages.

He explained that between 1984 and 2007, ten countries lowered the age of students to be taught other dialects and this year Spain will lower the age to three.

Mr Baker said: "We have long been the language-learning dunces, but now we are slipping further behind."

In Europe, 13 countries require their pupils to learn English during compulsory education but this is no excuse for British pupils to not learn any, he added.

The lack of foreign communication skills will limit employment possibilities for people in Britain, especially in an increasing global economy, Mr Barker continued.

Earlier this month, the National Centre for Languages suggested that students who have a second language and understanding of other cultures will be able to help global economic problems.

Learning languages could help students develop the skills needed to teach English abroad.

Category: Teaching and Learning