Foreign Language Learning
Students at schools and universities are no longer choosing to study foreign languages. In the first of a new series, Chris Ledgard asks how much this really matters.
Students are no longer choosing to study modern foreign languages. In the first of a new series of Word of Mouth, Chris Ledgard asks how much this matters.
In 2001, 78% of pupils in England did a language GCSE. By last year that had fallen to just 43%. Chris Ledgard talks to Andy Burnham, Shadow Secretary of State for Education; Vivienne Hurley of the British Academy; Professor Andrew Hussey of the University of London Institute in Paris; John Rushforth, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UWE; Swansea University language student Catherine Rendle; Luke Young, President of the NUS in Wales and Glyn Hambrook, a former language lecturer, to find out the true picture and ask if it really matters.
Last on
Broadcasts
- Tue 19 Jul 201116:00BBC Radio 4
- Mon 25 Jul 201123:00BBC Radio 4
Listen to Michael Rosen in conversation with The Open University
Explore the OU’s Cultural Idioms Guide
From blunk to brickfielder: our wonderful words for weather
Digital body language – how to communicate better online
Coinages that changed the world – and some that tried to...
Ittibitium, borborygmus, and Ba humbugi – 14 wonderful science words you’ve never heard of
Smiley face: Seven things you didn't know about emoji
The funny words that kids invent
Podcast
![]()
Word of Mouth
Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them












