Whither German? Whither Languages? Politicising the movement for languages in Britain and Ireland
Prof Pól Ó Dochartaigh
Date: 22 March 2012, 18:15 - 19:15
Location: Room 2.18, 65-68 Park Place
That second language learning is in serious decline in Britain and Ireland is not news. Policy changes at governmental level have assisted that decline. Decreasing engagement with languages and cultures that are not anglophone is seen as a direct consequence of the belief that “the whole world speaks English”, a notion that is demonstrably false.
This talk will offer some analysis of why the learning of foreign languages is under threat in Britain and Ireland and will challenge many of the orthodox attitudes both within and without the modern languages community in these islands. It will suggest that we have no option but to politicise language learning, but in ways that transcend political divides about Britain’s (and Ireland’s) position in Europe.
Pól Ó Dochartaigh, a graduate of the then University College Cardiff, is Professor of German and Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ulster.
All welcome to attend.Refreshments will be available prior to the lecture from 18:00.
To reserve a place please contact Jenny Hulin.
