Why languages?
In case you're not convinced of the value of language and cultural knowledge in work and in life (or if you need to convince someone else), we've brought together a range of quotes, facts and figures on languages and culture. We're also looking for quotes and stories from businesses or role models on why languages are important to them. If you'd like to offer some words of your own, please contact us.
British businesses value language skills at all levels
The CBI in London survey has found that foreign language skills are a key factor in business success - with 94% believing these skills are important for the economy. A 2008 CBI skills survey also concluded that languages are highly prized. 48% of UK firms recruit people for their foreign language skills, and 75% of executives value conversational ability in a language.
Businesses need cultural knowledge
The majority of British bosses (97 percent) taking part in a 2007 survey by The Aziz Corporation, think that they should make an effort to learn about business etiquette in other countries when travelling abroad. Over two thirds are embarrassed by their lack of knowledge of other cultures.
People with languages earn more
According to recruitment agency Reed, employees who use languages in their work earn on average 8% more. A 2008 report by HEFCE showed that three and a half years after graduating, languages graduates have the highest mean salary of all graduates.
Celebrities speak languages
Paula Radcliffe: "Although I'm known first and foremost as an athlete, my foreign language skills have given another dimension to my career. I regularly use French and German when I travel to compete in Europe."
Eddie Izzard: "There are so many languages I'd like to learn to perform in - Russian, Italian. And I'd love to be able to perform in the country where I was born - Yemen." (Eddie has performed in both French and German).
See CILT's website for more celebrity linguists.
Over 300 languages are spoken in the UK
Schools surveys have shown that over 300 languages are spoken in London alone. According to the 2008 Schools Census, 14% of all primary school students in England speak a language other than English at home. 42% of London primary school students speak a language other than English.
