However, there is a strong tendency of learning more and more foreign languages in order to understand the origin of each culture and traditions.
According to the latest European Union figures 85 percent of European students under 25 are learning English as a second language. And although French and Spanish are also popular German is becoming more popular with Germany’s growing importance in the EU.
When Johanna Wilson, a Scottish teacher of English, began German studies in 1987 her university’s programme comprised 40 students. By 1992 Johanna’s final year 250 students were enrolled in the programme. The rising number of students mixing disciplines is in part a response to the growing number of European companies demanding that their employees speak another language. According to Lingua: ‘Businesses are realizing that, to be more competitive and keep their edge, staff must be fluent in a number of languages.’
Graduates in political science, engineering and law, for example, are more employable in internationally connected companies if they have also studied a language.
French journalist Sabine Arnaud graduated from the university with a degree in political science and a secondary degree in English. ‘I wanted to work in an international career and although my father was German and I grew up speaking German I felt that I needed another language to improve my career possibilities.’ When Sabine finished the university she went to work as a press officer at the UN. She was tested on her written and spoken foreign language skills before being offered employment.
‘Once speaking only English was good enough. Today it is a handicap,; says Jean-Mark Recour of the UN recruitment office. ‘Language skills are as important as computer skills.’
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