Graduates 'must learn languages to compete' [Independent.ie]
- Published: 06 October 2011
IRELAND needs to get serious about teaching foreign languages if graduates and the economy are to compete for jobs, a new report has warned.
The widespread perception that "English is enough" is no longer true, according to a report from the Royal Irish Academy (RIA).
The report criticises the lack of priority given to languages by the Department of Education, despite frequent urging from bodies such as the Council of Europe, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and the Expert Group for Future Skills Needs.
The RIA says that Ireland is falling far behind its neighbours, with 66pc of Irish people not knowing any other language than their native tongue, the highest percentage in Europe.
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