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I applaud the argument that a deeper understanding of foreign languages is essential in international negotiations, be they commercial, political or cultural (¡°The words are not enough¡±, News, 11 December).

Too much emphasis on the utilitarian values of language learning, treating languages simply as another employment skill, has been a key contributor to the decline of single-honours degrees in languages in UK universities.

Paradoxically, however, few career advisers encourage pupils to consider a degree in languages to enhance their job prospects. As a result, applications for language degree courses from state schools pupils in particular are decreasing, creating a serious social gap that can only damage the future of the nation in terms of global competitiveness and social cohesion.

Li Wei
Chair, University Council of General and Applied Linguistics