Language Degrees Vanish: Is AI the Culprit?

Dozens of foreign language degrees and entire university departments across the UK are being eliminated due to a perceived lack of student interest. Universities attribute this to a significant 'societal shift,' but the trend has led to a crisis in strategically important subjects. Over the past five years, nearly 50 centers for modern languages have closed or reduced operations, with more facing threats.

Despite the formal educational decline, Duolingo reports its app is most popular among young people in the UK, with users under 22 being the most prolific learners. Michael Lynas of Duolingo argues that while translation tools are useful, they cannot replace the deep cultural understanding gained from learning a language, emphasizing its importance in an interconnected world.

Graduates and educators stress that language proficiency, cultural awareness, and critical thinking are invaluable skills, even more so in the age of AI. They highlight that these abilities are crucial for meaningful connections, empathetic business approaches, and navigating international opportunities. Concerns are also raised that the exclusivity of language learning could make it a pursuit only for the elite.