Australia (Commonwealth)_The dawn of the 2024 academic year in Australia and New Zealand brings little cheer for foreign language learning in universities. The lingering effects of the pandemic have exacerbated a preexisting decline, with program closures and funding cuts becoming commonplace.
The Pandemic’s Toll on Languages
Language programs have borne the brunt of recent budget tightening. In 2023 alone, New Zealand witnessed the shuttering of Greek, Latin, and Italian programs at Victoria University of Wellington, while the University of Otago in Dunedin axed its German program. Similarly, Australia’s Macquarie University proposed eliminating five languages entirely, including German, Italian, and Russian. These cuts come at a particularly concerning time, as both nations are ramping up military spending amidst rising global tensions.
Languages: An Overlooked Strategic Tool
The ability to communicate effectively in foreign languages is a vital asset for diplomacy and intelligence gathering. The decline in language learning extends far beyond university campuses, impacting a nation’s ability to navigate the complexities of the international stage. Notably, neither the recent Australian Universities Accord review nor the previous New Zealand government’s policies adequately addressed the critical role of languages.
A Global Decline in Strategic Languages
A comprehensive assessment of foreign language learning within the broader diplomatic and societal context is urgently needed in both Australia and New Zealand. This is especially true considering the dwindling interest in strategically important languages like Arabic, Russian, and Chinese, despite their prominence on the world stage (all three being official UN languages). Data from popular language learning apps like Duolingo highlights this trend, with both Arabic and Russian failing to crack the top ten most studied languages, while Portuguese surpasses Russian in popularity. A similar pattern emerges in university enrollment figures – a 2021 survey by the Modern Language Association in the US revealed a significant drop in Arabic (-27.4%), Chinese (-14.3%), and Russian (-13.5%) enrollments compared to 2016 levels. The UK has also seen a substantial decline in Chinese studies, with a 31% decrease between 2012 and 2021.
A Glimmers of Hope
Despite the prevailing pessimism, a few positive developments offer a glimmer of hope. The University of New England (UNE) in Australia has reported a rise in student numbers for German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish for the first time since 2021. Similarly, a US survey suggests a surge in Korean language learning (38.3% increase from 2016 to 2021), likely fueled by the growing popularity of Korean pop culture.
Embracing Innovation and Community
Universities face a crucial challenge: effectively integrating the vast array of online language resources with traditional classroom instruction. The learning experience needs to be realistic and engaging, catering to the diverse needs of students. UNE’s “portfolio assessment” approach, where students create German-language videos, games, and grammar worksheets, exemplifies this innovative approach.
Grassroots initiatives also play a significant role. Informal language exchange gatherings in cafes and pubs across cities like Canberra and Wellington provide valuable opportunities for learners to practice their chosen languages in a relaxed setting, fostering confidence and competence. These events also play a vital social function in multicultural societies, connecting local learners with native speakers, often immigrants or international students.
Beyond Translation: The Human Touch
Learning a language is about much more than memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules. It offers a window into another culture, its history, and its unique perspective on the world. The cultural and political dimensions of language learning are intrinsically linked, as evidenced by the surge in Arabic language learning post-9/11 and the decline in Russian learning coinciding with heightened tensions with Russia. A 2022 US survey even reported students actively seeking to distance themselves from anything “Russia related”.
The Enduring Value of Human Understanding
Finding solutions to these challenges will require a collaborative effort. While artificial intelligence and machine translation are making significant strides, they can never fully replace the vital role human language learning plays in fostering cross-cultural understanding and navigating the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world. In today’s turbulent geopolitical climate, this ability to bridge linguistic divides is more valuable than ever.
