Fate of modern languages

An article which explains and puts into perspective the apparent increase in languages graduates shown in the higher education statistics issued yesterday by the Scottish Government.

Quotes:

Too few Scots are immersing themselves in the bath of modern languages. Some 86% of the increase reported yesterday comes from activity at two further education colleges: Central College of Commerce in Glasgow and Telford in Edinburgh. Passes achieved by students were in higher education units not leading to a national certificate. To describe them as graduates is wrong.

In addition, some of the students were learning English which, in the circumstances, is itself classified as a foreign language.

Wednesday 3 October 2007
The Herald