In order to boost their language skills, people can make use of personal tutors. It seems as though some firms in Scotland may benefit from investing in personal development programmes like this for their staff members.
According to a study conducted by the British Council, there is a widespread lack of language skills in the country and this could be harming its ability to trade abroad. Research carried out by the organisation revealed there was a “wholesale decline” in foreign language study within schools and in higher education.
It also suggested there was a tendency among Scottish businesses to limit their export markets to English speaking nations.
The Rich Europe report explored the issue of how different European countries approach the teaching and use of foreign languages. In described the current position of foreign languages in Scottish secondary schools as “a matter of concern”.
According to the British Council, there is a belief among employers and skills forecasters that “English is enough” and this has had a negative impact on language provisions.
The organisation remarked: “Scottish employers tend to circumvent rather than address language skill needs by exporting only to Anglophone countries or those where they can easily find English speakers.”
Lloyd Anderson from the British Council Scotland added: “This report appears to confirm our fear that Scotland could be missing out on export opportunities if we simply expect everyone to speak English. Language learning is a vital component of being good ‘global citizens’.”
He added that in an increasingly globalised world, young people and the future workforce will be at a disadvantage if they do not have the necessary language skills and cultural awareness.
By investing in language tutoring, individuals and firms based in Scotland may be able to broaden their horizons and boost their prospects in the process.
to find out more go to www.fleet-tutors.co.uk
