The case for modern languages

The ability to speak more than one language, whether learned from birth or later in life, positively shapes how we can connect with others and move through the world. Multilingualism opens doors: socially, professionally, and cognitively, leading to economic, political, and societal benefits. And yet, the necessity of language learning is often questioned, particularly in a world where ‘everyone speaks English’ and machine-translation is just a click away.

Is language learning still necessary? And is it worth the time and effort?

This event brings together experts in modern languages and linguistics to explore the enduring significance of language-learning today. The first part of this event will feature short presentations with insights and perspectives, but there will also be the opportunity to share your experiences about your own learning or teaching, and to exchange ideas about present challenges in this space.

Speakers:

Professor Jeremy Smith FRSE

Professor Emeritus and Senior Research Fellow, English Language and Linguistics, University of Glasgow

Jeremy Smith retired in 2021 as Professor of English Philology at Glasgow University, where he is now a Senior Research Fellow. He is also an Honorary Professor, University of St Andrews. A specialist in English historical linguistics, the history of Scots, book history, and early English and Scots language and literature, he is a Fellow of the English Association and an Honorary Fellow of the Association of Scottish Literary Studies. Recent books include Transforming Early English (2020), Genre in English Medical Writing 1500-1820 (ed, with Irma Taavitsainen, Turo Hiltunen and Carla Suhr, 2022), and Reinventing Medieval Liturgy in Victorian England (with David Jasper, 2023); Lexicons of English Religion 1380-1850, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, is forthcoming. For RSE he has served on various committees on public engagement and research awards, and has for many years delivered talks for RSE’s schools programme.

Professor Antonella Sorace FRSE

Professor of Developmental Linguistics, University of Edinburgh

Antonella Sorace is a Professor of Developmental Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh. She is internationally known for her research on bilingualism across the lifespan, language typology, and gradience in natural language, where she combines methods from linguistics, experimental psychology, and cognitive science. She is committed to public engagement and is the founding director of the centre Bilingualism Matters, which has more than 30 branches on four continents.

Professor Stephen Forcer

University of Glasgow and President, Association of University of Professors and Heads of French+

Stephen Forcer is a Professor of French, and Deputy Head of the College of Arts and Humanities, at the University of Glasgow. From 2020-2025 he was Head of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University. He is currently President of the UK and Ireland Association of University Professors and Heads of French+. He has recently joined the CIC Languages Core Group run by Education Scotland.

Important points to note

This event is suitable for age 16+

Please note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use the mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.

Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

If you would like to receive information from the RSE on forthcoming events and activities, including our Newsletter, please get in touch by emailing: [email protected]

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or questions about how we can support this event, please get in touch with [email protected]. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

Wheelchair Spaces: If you are a wheelchair user and would like to book a space, please select the 'Wheelchair Space Ticket' ticket type during the booking process. If this is sold out, please get in touch with the Public Engagement team by emailing: [email protected]

Please visit the RSE FAQs page for further details about the venue and events.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Royal Society of Edinburgh