Source: Times Higher Education
In the UK, the number of universities offering language degrees has declined by 30% since 2000. In Denmark, students are no longer obligated to learn a third language as a result from a 2005 reform in secondary schools. In the U.S., there was a 6.7% decrease in foreign language enrollment between 2009 and 2013. These numbers demonstrate that as universities establish new disciplines and demands to strengthen the natural sciences have increased, degrees in language studies have steadily declined.
However, a professor in German studies at the University of Arizona has argued that learning a foreign language can serve well in a number of fields, such as business, manufacturing, medicine, and agriculture. Also, certain language courses apply linguistic, cultural, historical and literary approaches to questions that are relevant to our modern society.
Research has shown that studies in modern languages are increasingly proving to be intellectually vibrant and capable of playing a significant role within our society, especially at a time of national uncertainty.
Read full story: Times Higher Education