Why languages matter
CILT wants to see a society in which everyone
recognises the value of languages and intercultural relationships,
and is able to use more than one language.
We believe that with increased ability in
languages, the UK will:
- Be more successful in the
global economy
- Build better relationships
at home and abroad
- Put young Britons on a par
with their international peers.
Languages directly
benefit our economy and have a profound benefit both culturally
and to the quality of life.
English is not
enough
English is one of the great global languages
of the 21st century, but it will only take us so
far.
- Only 6% of the world’s
population speak English as a first language
- 75% of the world’s
population don’t speak any English.
We live in a multilingual,
multicultural world. Our engagement with the non-English speaking
world will remain superficial and one-sided unless we develop our
capacity in other languages too.