Studying languages in the UK and why I started learning sign language

Growing up British, you’ll find that the majority of people you meet can only communicate in one language — English. We Brits are in fact famous for it, according to friends I met travelling abroad. A survey published by the European Commission states that 62% of Britons surveyed claimed they did not know any languages other than their mother tongue.

There could be a million reasons for this, such as the education system. In the UK the majority of school children begin MFL learning at age 7 — typically French, German or Spanish — though these are considered foundation subjects and are therefore not explored as thoroughly as core subjects like Maths or Science. Despite continuing into secondary school, many students choose not to carry on past age 16. However, in countries such as Sweden, English is considered a core subject and students often have to demonstrate proficiency in the language to be accepted into university, regardless of subject.

Another reason could be intimidation. When British people think of learning a language, they may think back to their teenage years copying down the endless rules of French grammar and being expected to communicate like a native with just 2 1-hour lessons per week. They likely don’t consider other, more effective ways of absorbing a language such as immersing…