SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 18
Modern Languages: A Business Perspective
The Language Centre and An Foras Feasa Research
Institute at NUI Maynooth
March 9, 2012


Tony Donohoe,
Head of Social and Education Policy
English is not enough

   Business context
   Vacancy overview
   Emerging trends
   Language attainment
   EU languages for jobs report
   Policy options
Goods exports & imports: Jan-Nov 2011 (€m)
Services exports and imports 2010 (€m)


                        24664




14395

   10446                                                         10243
           7760
                     5234          5109
                                                 4204
              3482                        3364                3422
                                                     2335                  1790
                                                                                  302

   UK      Germany     USA          France           Italy   Netherlands    China
                                Exports    Imports
Business export models

 Business to business, business to government, business
  to consumer
 Direct selling approach
 Companies utilising technology-based services (web etc.)
 Supplying into the global supply chain of another
  company
 Foreign affiliate headquarters
 Foreign affiliate companies (mainly manufacturing sites)
 Global partnership arrangements/strategic alliance
 Tourism and international education services
Vacancy overview 2012

 Administrative and secretarial occupations
 Associate professional and technical operations
 Professionals
 Language skills a prerequisite for many newly
  advertised vacancies, particularly in sales, customer
  care activities, but also at professional level (e.g.
  ICT, engineering, finance)
 A variety of languages were in demand, predominantly
  German, French and Nordic languages
 Report highlights the need for foreign languages to form
  an integral part of the skills portfolio of candidates
Post industrial concerns

  Globalisation
    – 75% of world’s population does not speak English
  End of US global economic dominance
  Pervasiveness of technology
  Complex, dynamic and interconnected markets
    – Respond to
      customers, governments, markets, economic and
      social instabilities
  Growth of services
    – 70% of employment and 50% of exports
  Foreign nationals will engage through English to a
   certain extent …but language capability will be a
   competitive advantage
Language diversity

Language             Speakers (million)
Mandarin             885
Spanish              332
English              322
Arabic               220
Bengali              189
Hindi                182
Portuguese           170
Russian              170
Japanese             125
German               98
Leaving certificate (2011)


Language                     Candidates
French                       26,766
German                       6,955
Spanish                      4,004
Italian                      361
Russian                      308
Japanese                     240
Arabic                       131
Importance of languages when recruiting graduates
The challenge in Ireland

 Only six Member States had a majority of mono-linguists in
  2006
   – Ireland (66% of people not knowing any other language
     than their mother tongue),
   – United Kingdom (62%), Italy (59%), Hungary
     (58%), Portugal (58%) and Spain (56%)

 The main challenge for Ireland is to move away from “an official
but lame bilingualism” to become a truly multilingual
society, where the ability to learn and use two and more
languages is taken for granted and fostered at every stage of the
education system and through lifelong education
              European Council’s Language Policy Division (2006)
Languages for jobs

 Demand for language and communication skills
   – 40% of recruiters highlighted their importance
 Language and cultural barriers important obstacle for
  SMEs
 English as ‘lingua franca’ but need for ‘competitive edge’
 Languages of neighbouring countries
 Languages brought by immigrants
   – 175 nationalities within the European borders
 Labour market needs – putting language skills in context
Languages offer in the education system

 Multilingualism encouraged more actively at all school levels
 Choice of languages needs to be widened
 Dedicate language content for occupation purposes
 Content and language integrated methodologies/immersion
  learning
 Teacher and trainer training
   – Pre-service
   – In-service – ‘the gap between classroom and workroom’
 Learner mobility
 Target adult learners
Recommendations for action planning

 Improve the information flow about the language skills needs
  on the labour market
   – Regular surveys: bring to the attention of careers advisors
 Widen the supply of languages in secondary education
   – Promote new methods of teaching languages
 Increase the opportunities to continue language training in
  higher education
   – Cross curricular collaboration and incentives
 Re-orient language teaching to develop targeted options and
  put language skills in context
   – Integrate languages into specialised vocational training
     and particular occupations
Recommendations for action planning

 Develop specialist language training modules for VET
  trainers and teachers
   – Encourage collaboration between language and
      other teachers
 Create best practice networking between training
  institutions
   – Collaborate to adopt common principles for language
      teaching
 Increase learner mobility across the board
 Encourage targeted language learning in the adult
  population
   – Vocationally oriented language including migrants
The way forward

 Integrated coherent language in education policy
  (including Irish)
 Emerging markets languages strategy
 Use the resource of the resident non-Irish population
 Junior cycle reform and transition year – strengthen
  language and intercultural awareness
 Utilise emerging technologies to enhance the quality
  and delivery of language teaching.
 Enhance vertical and horizontal coherence in language
  learning at all stages of the school curriculum (including
  primary school)
The way forward

 Contextualised language at third level (e.g.
  sales/marketing personnel, engineering)
 Language ‘conversion’ courses for graduates from other
  disciplines
 Additional credits for foreign language study within third
  level qualifications
 Overseas placement programmes (e.g. EOP)
 Language awareness campaign aimed at SMEs
  (including case studies)

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Nora condon's ppt (fas, expert group & iraal)
Nora condon's ppt (fas, expert group & iraal)Nora condon's ppt (fas, expert group & iraal)
Nora condon's ppt (fas, expert group & iraal)mrdmcproductions
 
VALERA Consulting
VALERA ConsultingVALERA Consulting
VALERA ConsultingMarco Coghi
 
Study: The Future of VR, AR and Self-Driving Cars
Study: The Future of VR, AR and Self-Driving CarsStudy: The Future of VR, AR and Self-Driving Cars
Study: The Future of VR, AR and Self-Driving CarsLinkedIn
 
Hype vs. Reality: The AI Explainer
Hype vs. Reality: The AI ExplainerHype vs. Reality: The AI Explainer
Hype vs. Reality: The AI ExplainerLuminary Labs
 

Viewers also liked (6)

Sap
SapSap
Sap
 
Nora condon's ppt (fas, expert group & iraal)
Nora condon's ppt (fas, expert group & iraal)Nora condon's ppt (fas, expert group & iraal)
Nora condon's ppt (fas, expert group & iraal)
 
VALERA Consulting
VALERA ConsultingVALERA Consulting
VALERA Consulting
 
Languages For Jobs
Languages For JobsLanguages For Jobs
Languages For Jobs
 
Study: The Future of VR, AR and Self-Driving Cars
Study: The Future of VR, AR and Self-Driving CarsStudy: The Future of VR, AR and Self-Driving Cars
Study: The Future of VR, AR and Self-Driving Cars
 
Hype vs. Reality: The AI Explainer
Hype vs. Reality: The AI ExplainerHype vs. Reality: The AI Explainer
Hype vs. Reality: The AI Explainer
 

Similar to English Is Not Enough

Multilingual Europe in late 2016 – A Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda...
Multilingual Europe in late 2016 – A Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda...Multilingual Europe in late 2016 – A Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda...
Multilingual Europe in late 2016 – A Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda...Georg Rehm
 
Human Language Technologies in a Multilingual Europe
Human Language Technologies in a Multilingual EuropeHuman Language Technologies in a Multilingual Europe
Human Language Technologies in a Multilingual EuropeGeorg Rehm
 
Lifelong Learning Programme - EACEA - Key Activity 2 - Info Day
Lifelong Learning Programme - EACEA - Key Activity 2 - Info DayLifelong Learning Programme - EACEA - Key Activity 2 - Info Day
Lifelong Learning Programme - EACEA - Key Activity 2 - Info DayREFLESS Project
 
Languages for business: the experience of the lifelong learning programme (ce...
Languages for business: the experience of the lifelong learning programme (ce...Languages for business: the experience of the lifelong learning programme (ce...
Languages for business: the experience of the lifelong learning programme (ce...Peter Birch
 
Best Practices When Localizing And Translating Marketing Materials
Best Practices When Localizing And Translating Marketing MaterialsBest Practices When Localizing And Translating Marketing Materials
Best Practices When Localizing And Translating Marketing MaterialsChris Raulf
 
Expolangues Paris 2012 Peter Birch
Expolangues Paris 2012 Peter BirchExpolangues Paris 2012 Peter Birch
Expolangues Paris 2012 Peter BirchPeter Birch
 
The European Survey on Language Competences (Martin Robinson, Cambridge Engli...
The European Survey on Language Competences (Martin Robinson, Cambridge Engli...The European Survey on Language Competences (Martin Robinson, Cambridge Engli...
The European Survey on Language Competences (Martin Robinson, Cambridge Engli...Instituto Nacional de Evaluación Educativa
 
Language Technologies for Big Data – A Strategic Agenda for the Multilingual ...
Language Technologies for Big Data – A Strategic Agenda for the Multilingual ...Language Technologies for Big Data – A Strategic Agenda for the Multilingual ...
Language Technologies for Big Data – A Strategic Agenda for the Multilingual ...Georg Rehm
 
Rome Seminar Jolanta Urbanik
Rome Seminar Jolanta UrbanikRome Seminar Jolanta Urbanik
Rome Seminar Jolanta UrbanikYouth Agora
 
Cracking the Language Barrier for a Multilingual Europe
Cracking the Language Barrier for a Multilingual EuropeCracking the Language Barrier for a Multilingual Europe
Cracking the Language Barrier for a Multilingual EuropeGeorg Rehm
 
Rwanda Omnia, TVET in Finland
Rwanda Omnia, TVET in FinlandRwanda Omnia, TVET in Finland
Rwanda Omnia, TVET in FinlandEsko Lius
 
Oral english needs in spanish professional settings different perspectives
Oral english needs in spanish professional settings different  perspectivesOral english needs in spanish professional settings different  perspectives
Oral english needs in spanish professional settings different perspectivesLourdes Pomposo
 
THE New CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors
THE New CEFR Companion Volume with New DescriptorsTHE New CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors
THE New CEFR Companion Volume with New DescriptorsTHOMASJEROMEBAKER
 
CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors - 2018
CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors - 2018CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors - 2018
CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors - 2018THOMASJEROMEBAKER
 
Sandra kerr presentation
Sandra kerr presentationSandra kerr presentation
Sandra kerr presentationIgnite_UKPR
 
Training & Accreditation of EMI Teachers
Training & Accreditation of EMI TeachersTraining & Accreditation of EMI Teachers
Training & Accreditation of EMI TeachersRobert O'Dowd
 
A new language policy agent, the language management consulting agency
A new language policy agent, the language management consulting agencyA new language policy agent, the language management consulting agency
A new language policy agent, the language management consulting agencyAnne-Marie Barrault-Methy
 

Similar to English Is Not Enough (20)

Multilingual Europe in late 2016 – A Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda...
Multilingual Europe in late 2016 – A Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda...Multilingual Europe in late 2016 – A Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda...
Multilingual Europe in late 2016 – A Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda...
 
Human Language Technologies in a Multilingual Europe
Human Language Technologies in a Multilingual EuropeHuman Language Technologies in a Multilingual Europe
Human Language Technologies in a Multilingual Europe
 
Lifelong Learning Programme - EACEA - Key Activity 2 - Info Day
Lifelong Learning Programme - EACEA - Key Activity 2 - Info DayLifelong Learning Programme - EACEA - Key Activity 2 - Info Day
Lifelong Learning Programme - EACEA - Key Activity 2 - Info Day
 
Languages for business: the experience of the lifelong learning programme (ce...
Languages for business: the experience of the lifelong learning programme (ce...Languages for business: the experience of the lifelong learning programme (ce...
Languages for business: the experience of the lifelong learning programme (ce...
 
Best Practices When Localizing And Translating Marketing Materials
Best Practices When Localizing And Translating Marketing MaterialsBest Practices When Localizing And Translating Marketing Materials
Best Practices When Localizing And Translating Marketing Materials
 
Expolangues Paris 2012 Peter Birch
Expolangues Paris 2012 Peter BirchExpolangues Paris 2012 Peter Birch
Expolangues Paris 2012 Peter Birch
 
Top language jobs
Top language jobsTop language jobs
Top language jobs
 
The European Survey on Language Competences (Martin Robinson, Cambridge Engli...
The European Survey on Language Competences (Martin Robinson, Cambridge Engli...The European Survey on Language Competences (Martin Robinson, Cambridge Engli...
The European Survey on Language Competences (Martin Robinson, Cambridge Engli...
 
English in the 21st Century Global Knowledge Economy
English in the 21st Century Global Knowledge EconomyEnglish in the 21st Century Global Knowledge Economy
English in the 21st Century Global Knowledge Economy
 
Language Technologies for Big Data – A Strategic Agenda for the Multilingual ...
Language Technologies for Big Data – A Strategic Agenda for the Multilingual ...Language Technologies for Big Data – A Strategic Agenda for the Multilingual ...
Language Technologies for Big Data – A Strategic Agenda for the Multilingual ...
 
Rome Seminar Jolanta Urbanik
Rome Seminar Jolanta UrbanikRome Seminar Jolanta Urbanik
Rome Seminar Jolanta Urbanik
 
Cracking the Language Barrier for a Multilingual Europe
Cracking the Language Barrier for a Multilingual EuropeCracking the Language Barrier for a Multilingual Europe
Cracking the Language Barrier for a Multilingual Europe
 
Rwanda Omnia, TVET in Finland
Rwanda Omnia, TVET in FinlandRwanda Omnia, TVET in Finland
Rwanda Omnia, TVET in Finland
 
Oral english needs in spanish professional settings different perspectives
Oral english needs in spanish professional settings different  perspectivesOral english needs in spanish professional settings different  perspectives
Oral english needs in spanish professional settings different perspectives
 
THE New CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors
THE New CEFR Companion Volume with New DescriptorsTHE New CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors
THE New CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors
 
CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors - 2018
CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors - 2018CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors - 2018
CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors - 2018
 
Sandra kerr presentation
Sandra kerr presentationSandra kerr presentation
Sandra kerr presentation
 
Training & Accreditation of EMI Teachers
Training & Accreditation of EMI TeachersTraining & Accreditation of EMI Teachers
Training & Accreditation of EMI Teachers
 
eBridge 2 VET Mobility 02
eBridge 2 VET Mobility 02eBridge 2 VET Mobility 02
eBridge 2 VET Mobility 02
 
A new language policy agent, the language management consulting agency
A new language policy agent, the language management consulting agencyA new language policy agent, the language management consulting agency
A new language policy agent, the language management consulting agency
 

Recently uploaded

Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdf
Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdfClass 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdf
Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdfAyushMahapatra5
 
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdfWeb & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdfJayanti Pande
 
Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SD
Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SDMeasures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SD
Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SDThiyagu K
 
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104misteraugie
 
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxiammrhaywood
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdfQucHHunhnh
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingTechSoup
 
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdfBASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdfSoniaTolstoy
 
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Krashi Coaching
 
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdf
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdfDisha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdf
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdfchloefrazer622
 
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...Sapna Thakur
 
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdfKey note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdfAdmir Softic
 
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)eniolaolutunde
 
IGNOU MSCCFT and PGDCFT Exam Question Pattern: MCFT003 Counselling and Family...
IGNOU MSCCFT and PGDCFT Exam Question Pattern: MCFT003 Counselling and Family...IGNOU MSCCFT and PGDCFT Exam Question Pattern: MCFT003 Counselling and Family...
IGNOU MSCCFT and PGDCFT Exam Question Pattern: MCFT003 Counselling and Family...PsychoTech Services
 
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactBeyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactPECB
 
9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room service
9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service
9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room servicediscovermytutordmt
 
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3JemimahLaneBuaron
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdf
Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdfClass 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdf
Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdf
 
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdfWeb & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
 
Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SD
Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SDMeasures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SD
Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SD
 
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
 
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
 
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdfBASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
 
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
 
Advance Mobile Application Development class 07
Advance Mobile Application Development class 07Advance Mobile Application Development class 07
Advance Mobile Application Development class 07
 
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdf
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdfDisha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdf
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdf
 
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
 
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdfKey note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
 
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
 
Mattingly "AI & Prompt Design: The Basics of Prompt Design"
Mattingly "AI & Prompt Design: The Basics of Prompt Design"Mattingly "AI & Prompt Design: The Basics of Prompt Design"
Mattingly "AI & Prompt Design: The Basics of Prompt Design"
 
IGNOU MSCCFT and PGDCFT Exam Question Pattern: MCFT003 Counselling and Family...
IGNOU MSCCFT and PGDCFT Exam Question Pattern: MCFT003 Counselling and Family...IGNOU MSCCFT and PGDCFT Exam Question Pattern: MCFT003 Counselling and Family...
IGNOU MSCCFT and PGDCFT Exam Question Pattern: MCFT003 Counselling and Family...
 
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactBeyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
 
9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room service
9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service
9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room service
 
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
 
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
 

English Is Not Enough

  • 1. Modern Languages: A Business Perspective The Language Centre and An Foras Feasa Research Institute at NUI Maynooth March 9, 2012 Tony Donohoe, Head of Social and Education Policy
  • 2. English is not enough  Business context  Vacancy overview  Emerging trends  Language attainment  EU languages for jobs report  Policy options
  • 3. Goods exports & imports: Jan-Nov 2011 (€m)
  • 4. Services exports and imports 2010 (€m) 24664 14395 10446 10243 7760 5234 5109 4204 3482 3364 3422 2335 1790 302 UK Germany USA France Italy Netherlands China Exports Imports
  • 5. Business export models  Business to business, business to government, business to consumer  Direct selling approach  Companies utilising technology-based services (web etc.)  Supplying into the global supply chain of another company  Foreign affiliate headquarters  Foreign affiliate companies (mainly manufacturing sites)  Global partnership arrangements/strategic alliance  Tourism and international education services
  • 6. Vacancy overview 2012  Administrative and secretarial occupations  Associate professional and technical operations  Professionals  Language skills a prerequisite for many newly advertised vacancies, particularly in sales, customer care activities, but also at professional level (e.g. ICT, engineering, finance)  A variety of languages were in demand, predominantly German, French and Nordic languages  Report highlights the need for foreign languages to form an integral part of the skills portfolio of candidates
  • 7.
  • 8. Post industrial concerns  Globalisation – 75% of world’s population does not speak English  End of US global economic dominance  Pervasiveness of technology  Complex, dynamic and interconnected markets – Respond to customers, governments, markets, economic and social instabilities  Growth of services – 70% of employment and 50% of exports  Foreign nationals will engage through English to a certain extent …but language capability will be a competitive advantage
  • 9. Language diversity Language Speakers (million) Mandarin 885 Spanish 332 English 322 Arabic 220 Bengali 189 Hindi 182 Portuguese 170 Russian 170 Japanese 125 German 98
  • 10. Leaving certificate (2011) Language Candidates French 26,766 German 6,955 Spanish 4,004 Italian 361 Russian 308 Japanese 240 Arabic 131
  • 11. Importance of languages when recruiting graduates
  • 12. The challenge in Ireland  Only six Member States had a majority of mono-linguists in 2006 – Ireland (66% of people not knowing any other language than their mother tongue), – United Kingdom (62%), Italy (59%), Hungary (58%), Portugal (58%) and Spain (56%) The main challenge for Ireland is to move away from “an official but lame bilingualism” to become a truly multilingual society, where the ability to learn and use two and more languages is taken for granted and fostered at every stage of the education system and through lifelong education European Council’s Language Policy Division (2006)
  • 13. Languages for jobs  Demand for language and communication skills – 40% of recruiters highlighted their importance  Language and cultural barriers important obstacle for SMEs  English as ‘lingua franca’ but need for ‘competitive edge’  Languages of neighbouring countries  Languages brought by immigrants – 175 nationalities within the European borders  Labour market needs – putting language skills in context
  • 14. Languages offer in the education system  Multilingualism encouraged more actively at all school levels  Choice of languages needs to be widened  Dedicate language content for occupation purposes  Content and language integrated methodologies/immersion learning  Teacher and trainer training – Pre-service – In-service – ‘the gap between classroom and workroom’  Learner mobility  Target adult learners
  • 15. Recommendations for action planning  Improve the information flow about the language skills needs on the labour market – Regular surveys: bring to the attention of careers advisors  Widen the supply of languages in secondary education – Promote new methods of teaching languages  Increase the opportunities to continue language training in higher education – Cross curricular collaboration and incentives  Re-orient language teaching to develop targeted options and put language skills in context – Integrate languages into specialised vocational training and particular occupations
  • 16. Recommendations for action planning  Develop specialist language training modules for VET trainers and teachers – Encourage collaboration between language and other teachers  Create best practice networking between training institutions – Collaborate to adopt common principles for language teaching  Increase learner mobility across the board  Encourage targeted language learning in the adult population – Vocationally oriented language including migrants
  • 17. The way forward  Integrated coherent language in education policy (including Irish)  Emerging markets languages strategy  Use the resource of the resident non-Irish population  Junior cycle reform and transition year – strengthen language and intercultural awareness  Utilise emerging technologies to enhance the quality and delivery of language teaching.  Enhance vertical and horizontal coherence in language learning at all stages of the school curriculum (including primary school)
  • 18. The way forward  Contextualised language at third level (e.g. sales/marketing personnel, engineering)  Language ‘conversion’ courses for graduates from other disciplines  Additional credits for foreign language study within third level qualifications  Overseas placement programmes (e.g. EOP)  Language awareness campaign aimed at SMEs (including case studies)

Editor's Notes

  1. In 1987, the report of the Board of Studies for Language (NCCA) concluded that a language policy was required to facilitate a coordinated approach to language education