The Language Skills Crisis in Post-Brexit Britain
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The aftermath of the Brexit referendum in 2016 has created significant challenges for the United Kingdom, especially in terms of language skills (№1). As the UK departs from the European Union, recent studies show that the country is facing a critical shortage of language proficiency, which could potentially cost the economy about 3.5% of its GDP (Foreman-Peck & Wang, 2014) (№2). This loss is largely due to an overdependence on English-speaking markets and a hesitance to engage with countries where English is not the primary language, particularly in Asia and the Middle East (№3).
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have raised concerns about language and cultural barriers that make it difficult for them to compete in emerging markets (№4). In contrast, countries like Switzerland, where multilingualism contributes 10% to the GDP, highlight the economic benefits of having strong language skills (Hogan-Brun, 2018) (№5). As globalization changes consumer demographics, employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can communicate in more than one language (№6). A study indicates that potential employees who speak languages other than English at home should see their bilingualism as a valuable asset, while those who only speak English may find themselves at a disadvantage in the job market (№7).
Despite the clear need for improved language education, the UK has experienced a worrying decline in language learning in schools (№8). Reports show that the percentage of GCSE students taking language exams fell from 73% in 2003 to only 48% in 2015 (Dean, A. 2016) (№9). This trend continues, with current rates of foreign language learning being the lowest they have been since the early 2000s, posing a serious threat to the UK’s economic future (№10). As the nation navigates its identity after Brexit, addressing the language skills gap is crucial for maintaining competitiveness on the international stage (№11).
Герценовская олимпиада школьников по иностранным языкам — перечневая олимпиада, которую проводит РГПУ им. А. И. Герцена. В последние годы она входит в число олимпиад высокого уровня. Почитать об особенностях Герценовской олимпиады и посмотреть на примеры заданий прошлых лет можно на странице Герценовской олимпиады сайта Upwego. Информация о сроках проведения и правилах участия публикуется также на официальном сайте РГПУ им. А. И. Герцена.
В отличие от многих других перечневых олимпиад, Герценовская довольно мало опирается на страноведение, идиомы и широкий общекультурный кругозор: ее задания в основном проверяют классическое владение английским языком. В финале традиционно встречаются чтение, аудирование, лексика и грамматика, а также writing (при этом некоторые классические форматы имеют свои олимпиадные особенности). На занятиях в мини-группах можно систематически развивать языковые навыки и тренировать письмо, а олимпиадный марафон Upwego поможет познакомиться с разнообразными форматами чтения, аудирования, Use of English и writing и набить руку на заданиях, близких к олимпиадным :)
The challenges faced by the United Kingdom as a result of the Brexit referendum are primarily related to economic factors rather than social or cultural factors.
The decrease in foreign language studies among GCSE students indicates a wider pattern of growing dependence on Anglophone markets and a waning enthusiasm for multilingualism.
the period that follows an unpleasant event or accident, and the effects that it causes.
the failure to do something immediately or quickly because you are nervous or not certain, or an occasion when this happens.
The discussion of multilingualism and its economic benefits can foster cultural awareness and understanding among students, encouraging them to appreciate the importance of engaging with diverse languages and cultures.
The text provides opportunities to learn and practise words and collocations related to social issues, helping students to broaden their vocabulary range.
This text is interesting in terms of grammar as it illustrates the use of reported speech.