Throughout 2010 Germany, Austria and Switzerland are running a major campaign to encourage young Britons to learn German. Under the motto Think German, the aim is to underline the value of German language skills through a number of high-profile events in 2010. According to the National Centre for Languages (CILT), the need for young people in the UK to learn languages has never been greater, with language skills becoming increasingly important when competing for jobs in the global marketplace. Knowledge of German opens doors to business, science and academia as well as a rich and colourful cultural heritage – art, literature, music, creative industries, design, fashion, architecture and much more.
On Strategic Language Conference in June 2010 in London will invite political decision makers, head teachers, university staff and management, to discuss the state of language learning in the country, identify challenges and points for improvement; showcase and celebrate examples of good practice and provide a platform for networking, as a basis for discussion of positive and innovative ways forward; and to discuss the state of German language skills in the UK and highlight the economic and cultural benefits of learning German in a globalised world.
To find out more, go to www.thinkgerman.org.uk or contact Karl Pfeiffer at the Goethe Institut.