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Soy lingüista en España. Hablar es lo que somos. Saber cómo hablamos es saber cómo somos. No creo que se necesite más para justificar el estudio de las lenguas que hablamos. Las universidades son los lugares donde se deben preservar y ampliar los saberes. No cumplen su función si marginan a saberes por razones de cualquier tipo.

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Soy lingüista en España. Hablar es lo que somos. Saber cómo hablamos es saber cómo somos. No creo que se necesite más para justificar el estudio de las lenguas que hablamos. Las universidades son los lugares donde se deben preservar y ampliar los saberes. No cumplen su función si marginan a saberes por razones de cualquier tipo.

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This is a very distressing decision which I hope can still be reversed. I know that Nottingham University has a very strong track record of modern language teaching especially for Russian. My late mother who taught Russian at the Perse School for Girls in Cambridge every year took her pupils to Nottingham University's annual languages open day, which she and they found most impressive.

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From the Great Britain-Russia organisation

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This is a benighted decision, indicating contempt for the idea of communicating with people who do not speak English. If the University of Nottingham persists in this, it loses its status as a reputable university. It become just a mediocre outpost of Little England. Not too late to reverse, but time for those responsible to recognise their responsibilities for enlightened education.  

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This is a benighted decision, indicating contempt for the idea of communicating with people who do not speak English. If the University of Nottingham persists in this, it loses its status as a reputable university. It become just a mediocre outpost of Little England. Not too late to reverse, but time for those responsible to recognise their responsibilities for enlightened education.  

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My teacher of Slovene at UCL once taught languages at Nottingham.  

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I taught at the University of Nottingham as a French 'lectrice' many years ago and I was impressed by the quality of the experience offered to students. Those students then went on to work in many different fields: some of them directly connected to foreign languages, but also many others where the general skills provided by a language course were valued. I can understand how a small, local higher education institution might not be able to offer that, but to think that a major university such as the University of Nottingham will no longer do so seems incredibly depressing and deeply worrying for the future of the University.

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Please, let Modern Languages courses at University of Nottingham alive!!!

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Please, let Modern Languages courses at University of Nottingham alive!!!

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I am a Brazilian Associate Professor - Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Recently, I have collaborated with excellent researchers at the Modern Languages Department, during a posdoctoral experience. It is essential that this patternship between University of Nottingham and other universities all around the world survives... Many scientific results can impact the social lives of students from various areas of knowledge in England and in several countries.

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I am an academic and have worked with colleagues from NOttingham

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Statement by The Great Britain-Russia Society on the decision by Nottingham University to suspend applications to all language degree programmes, with a view to permanent closure of all of its undergraduate languages degrees.

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Statement by The Great Britain-Russia Society on the decision by Nottingham University to suspend applications to all language degree programmes, with a view to permanent closure of all of its undergraduate languages degrees.

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The Trustees of the Great Britain-Russia Society (GBRS) deplore the reported decision of Nottingham University to suspend applications to all its language degree programmes, with a view to permanent closure of its undergraduate language degrees courses.

In the view of GBRS Trustees, modern languages skills are vital to the UK’s economy, its society and national security, to its citizens’ personal development and appreciation of other countries and people, to the success of interrelated academic disciplines such as History, Geography, Law and Philosophy, and to preserving the global reputation of our leading universities.

In a time of polarisation of viewpoints and simplistic solutions for complex issues it is more than ever important to understand others’ capabilities, cultures and perspectives in an informed and open-minded way. The development of such understanding, to which GBRS seeks to contribute – see https://www.gbrussia.org/, depends on languages and, in the case of Russia, Russian and Russians, has never been more in the vital interests of the UK.

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Henry Pares, 
Hon Secretary
on behalf of 
The Trustees of the Great Britain-Russia Society

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I am deeply concerned at the threatened closure of Modern Languages at the University of Nottingham. 

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I am deeply concerned at the threatened closure of Modern Languages at the University of Nottingham. 

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I am Head of a thriving School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at University College Cork, where we teach 8 major languages to degree level (Chinese, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese) as well as minority languages, such as Galician and Catalan. We recruit students across a range of degree programmes, such as the BA International and BA World Languages, and also deliver courses for the BSc International Business with Languages programme, among others. We are ranked among the top 200 for Modern Languages worldwide and our institution is proud of our strong global track record and our ability to produce highly competent language graduates who are comfortable working between cultures and across international networks. It is extremely short-sighted of Nottingham to remove languages from what is meant to be a ‘universal’ institution: that is, a University. Expecting graduates to succeed within and beyond the UK as monolinguals is to impoverish their prospects and reflects the insularity of a post-Brexit Britain. English is not the only language through which business is conducted: in fact, in terms of the most widely spoken language worldwide, it is behind Chinese and Spanish. To deny students the opportunity to study languages to degree level and to become intercultural mediators precludes them of contact with international networks and of global career opportunities. Such a proposal equates to denying Britain’s multi-ethnic heritage, where students will be deprived of the chance to study the languages and cultures of the countries that have contributed to the UK’s multicultural society. It denies them the opportunity of interacting with the panoply of languages and cultures that characterize not only Europe, but the whole globe. How can the University of Nottingham call itself ‘global’ and ‘beyond ordinary’ if it decides to restrict language learning? Such a move is, frankly, paradoxical at best, cynical and narrowminded at worst.

I very much hope the University will reconsider its plans for the winding down of what is a most highly regarded Department of Modern Languages. Languages at Nottingham not only teaches several hundred students, but is also home to colleagues with a strong international track record in research and an excellent global reputation. My colleagues and I at University College Cork are profoundly concerned at the prospect of closure of languages at Nottingham. Staff and students have our deepest solidarity in the face of these misguided cuts.

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There is no communication without language knowledge

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There is no communication without language knowledge

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I was shocked at this news and can't belive it is true. I had a pleasure to teach my language (Slovene) at the University of Nottingham in the Slavic Studies section from 2005 to 2010. I had an opportunity to work with wonderful, intelligent, capable, knowledgeable, fun, interesting students and colleagues. It was one of the best professional experience that I had. We are learning languages for communication, the most basic of human needs and activities - how will people do that without knowlede of foreign languags in this global world is beyond my comprehension. Please do find another solution for saving money! Cutting languages is not the right one!

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Да здравствует изучение инностранных языков в Нотингоме!!

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Да здравствует изучение инностранных языков в Нотингоме!!

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As a Russian and Soviet Studies graduate from Surrey, 1985, now more than ever we need linguists and people who understand other cultures and perspectives to build bridges and understand this crazy world. Nottingham has an excellent reputation in this field which would be sad and very regrettable to see end.

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Connecting dots through language learning

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Connecting dots through language learning

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A famous tech entrepreneur once said on life that 'you can't connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards'. When I look backwards, I can see that my dots started with language learning. Not at UoN but in my 1st year of French at secondary school in 1986 with Mr Eric Pratt (or Monsieur Pratt as he liked to be called). He was an 'old school' teacher who had the class stand up to 'Levez-vous' whenever a colleague entered the classroom and then sit down to 'Asseyez-vous' as and when he decided to tell us to do so. I enjoyed his lessons greatly, I loved the sounds and spellings of French, I was fascinated learning about La Rochelle in the Tricolore text book. I came from a large industrial town in West Yorkshire and I had only ever had holidays in the UK - the thought of experiencing other cultures and connecting with other people overseas seemed so distant yet suddenly so possible. Mr Pratt was loved by all his students, even the more challenging boys he kept in line with a hard stare or the occasional growl of disapproval. As a teacher who had experienced/suffered many reforms under the Tory government, it was Mr Pratt who wheeled in the TV to a lesson in 1990 so we could watch the departure of Margaret Thatcher. I remember he was quite gleeful. When I left secondary school, I went on to study A levels in French and German at sixth form college, and then to the University of Nottingham to study Modern Language Studies. I was adamant that I would continue with my 'old' languages but was also keen to try something new. At that time, UoN was the only institution that would enable a 3-language combination. I could choose between Russian and Spanish - ultimately, I went for the language spoken in warmer climes (it really was that simple). It was hard work combining three languages - trying to be as linguistically competent as the Single Honours students was impossible. However, taking up Spanish expanded my horizons even further - to Mexico in fact, on my year abroad, somewhere I would never have imagined living and studying when I was back in my Year 7 French lesson. Since UoN, I have worked with pre-service language teachers on a EU mobility programme at the British Council, qualified as a MFL teacher, worked as a Spanish teacher and head of subject, taught overseas (and learnt a fourth language) and then returned to UoN to do a PhD at the School of Education. I am now based in Denmark where I have been working as an educational researcher (and learnt my fifth language). Most recently, I have been a consultant on the forthcoming EU Teachers and Trainers Agenda. This opportunity would not have been possible without a language education. The capacity to speak another language, communicate with other people in their own words, engage with non-Anglophone research, understand and appreciate the cultural nuances of students', parents' and teachers' experiences of education systems across Europe cannot be underestimated. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to see worlds outside my own. As a language teacher, who saw the detrimental effect of government education reforms on student take-up at GCSE and beyond, I am horrified and dismayed that the modern languages courses of UoN are now also under attack from above. Universities should be at the forefront of the intellectual revolution to put modern languages back at the centre of the curriculum. The children and young people of the UK have already had their worlds narrowed by Brexit, their opportunities for study and work overseas limited. I am appalled that UoN would consider modern language study, and its cultural, historical, political and social dimensions, as unimportant given the geopolitical, humanitarian and cultural crises we now face globally. There has never been a more appropriate time to encourage greater communication and connection between people. I am so lucky to have studied at UoN when I did. I hope that others will get the chance in the future.

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I was appalled by the news, and the brutality of the measures. I believe I can speak here for my research team in France (at Université Paris Cité & Sorbonne Nouvelle), who, with the years, has built connections and friendships with several members of the faculty members. Closing the language department is certainly very bad for students and our British colleagues but it would also be detrimental to these French-British exchanges. 

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I was appalled by the news, and the brutality of the measures. I believe I can speak here for my research team in France (at Université Paris Cité & Sorbonne Nouvelle), who, with the years, has built connections and friendships with several members of the faculty members. Closing the language department is certainly very bad for students and our British colleagues but it would also be detrimental to these French-British exchanges. 

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The study of Modern Languages and Cultures is a crucial element of any comprehensive university and especially one which presents itself as a global university as Nottingham does, with for example its strong links with China at Ningbo. Without the expertise of its staff and students, the University becomes inward looking and the symbolism of a ‘little England university’ without the study of languages and cultures contributes to the nationalism which is again rampant.

The study of Languages and Cultures is more than useful and more than an acquisition of skills. It creates graduates who can themselves pass on their vision of the world as teachers but it also creates graduates with such a vision who take up many other professions - as we know they do – and ensure that those professions are internationalist in outlook.

The staff at Nottingham are, furthermore, of outstanding quality and leaders in the field. They become so by vary hard work and devotion to their profession and the University. They deserve better treatment.

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Long-standing colleague from another university

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In today's ever-more connected world, it is difficult to over-state the importance of language learning for all forms of communication, inter-cultural understanding, media literacy, and future opportunities for Nottingham's students and alumni. As a former Teaching Affiliate in Russian and Slavonic Studies in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures (2018-2019) I have seen first-hand how learning modern languages expands students’ mental horizons and opens doors to future employability.

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I studied for a BA in French and Philosophy at the University of Nottingham in 2018 and graduated in 2022. My degree has had such a transformative effect on my life from the course friends that I made that are still in my life now, to what I am doing for work currently. My internship or ‘stage’ near Biarritz in my third year of university gave me so many transferrable skills that I referenced in my first job interview after university and helped me to land my first role in the Civil Service. The French language modules 1,2 and 3 really honed my grasp of French and thanks to my degree, I am so lucky to state that I get to use French in my current job as well. Additionally, I was able to reference the ‘Communicating and Teaching Languages for Undergraduate Ambassadors’ role when I applied to be a British Council English Language Assistant in Spain after my degree, which also in turn helped me to land my first graduate role.

The plan to cut MFL degrees really saddens me as I am concerned that future generations of students won’t have access to exploring other cultures through learning languages and experience the huge array of personal benefits that that brings to oneself not just the professional benefits. Just an add on as well- the first year French module ‘Introduction to French Literature: Representations of Paris’ was my favourite module throughout my entire degree! I loved the Parisian texts that we read. The languages, cultures and area studies staff all do a tremendous job!!

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I read about the developments on the BBC and simply could not believe that language courses at the University of Nottingham are to be axed!

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I read about the developments on the BBC and simply could not believe that language courses at the University of Nottingham are to be axed!

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Apart from the dreadful loss of staff expertise and resources, the move is set to deprive future generations of “windows to the world”.

Stopping language degrees means that in future there will be an awful lack of language teachers in England.

Having grown up in a more or less monolingual family, as so many others, I owe my life in languages to my knowledgeable and inspiring school teachers, who encouraged me to carry on and study languages at university. I took my degree in French and German at the University of Southampton in the early 70’s and together with many other first-generation undergraduate peers marveled at the learning opportunities made available to us. It was not only about learning how to think across linguistic systems but also about the wonderful experience of reading texts from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century in the original language and entering into worlds of thought and cultures.

I earned my living teaching languages and, as a classroom teacher, was privileged to experience how learners from Primary to Upper Secondary made first steps in accessing a second language leading to fluency and the ability to converse and write at B2+ level.

After twenty years I moved into initial teacher education and Continuing Professional Development supporting language teachers as they worked on making their language classrooms better places with the best possible learning opportunities. Over the past ten years I have had the joyful experience of getting to know how language teachers all over Europe work so hard to give their learners not only life skills in second languages but also a cultural experience. In the language classroom learners gain the ability to survive and function in a dynamic world.

Is this bid to deprive so many young people of learning really serious? Is it ethical?

As a pensioner my volunteer work is helping refugees learn the language of their host country, i.e. German. It is heartbreaking to see how these women, who were never allowed to learn a second language in their home country, struggle so hard to acquire basic skills, let alone B1 level to allow them to acquire permanent status of abode. Having never had access to a second language, their understanding of their own language is limited, which means they are unable to use translation tools effectively. Refugees coming from countries where learning other languages is permitted are at an advantage and are less likely to fall through the net.

Is Britain really aiming to become a monolingual country? Or should only the rich and powerful be allowed to enter a multicultural world? It reminds one of those old WWII films where only the toffs/officers were able to ask for a crust of bread as they ran for their lives across France.

Being displaced could happen to anyone. Whatever would the monolingual Englishman do if, unable to gain right of abode in an English-speaking country, he ended up in a place where you need to learn a new language fast, or be extradited?

Broad-based studies show up that speaking several languages and continuing to learn in advanced years lessens the risks of cognitive decline.

Again: Is stopping language learning at university level ethical - in any way?

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From the news but I also know academics at Nottingham and have, for many years, been aware of  the high level at the language departments in Nottingham.

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I am shocked and appalled that the University of Nottingham would even consider closing its incredibly successful and internationally renowned Languages department under the guise of trying to save money (also known as: covering up its previous financial mistakes).  The University should be incredibly proud to have such a strong department which is well known for its excellent teaching and research and should be doing everything possible to celebrate and preserve the department.  Destroying something that is clearly thriving is completely nonsensical and runs contrary to the university’s own desire to be a “global university” and will make UoN the only Russell Group University without a languages department.  If this move goes head, the damage to the university’s reputation will be immeasurable, not least because prospective students across all disciplines will likely be concerned that their chosen course will be next and will choose to study elsewhere.  This is the perfect way to reduce the number of students making Nottingham their first choice and will likely lead to a decrease in finance from student fees.

I am a music graduate; another discipline which you are looking to axe.  When choosing my undergraduate music course I actually chose Leeds over Nottingham because Leeds offered a year abroad as part of its music course when Nottingham didn’t (I didn’t study languages at A level so a joint honours course was not open to me at that time).  I was incredibly fortunate in being able to spend my third year in Bologna and developed an understanding of a different culture as well as fluency in Italian, despite only minimal language study prior to this.  The opportunity for students at Nottingham to study a language ab initio is incredibly valuable.  If the proposal to close the department goes ahead, students will be denied this opportunity and the chance to spend part of their course abroad with all the benefits that this brings.  Since graduating, I have used both my music and language skills throughout my career, first as a librarian at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, BBC Music library and King’s College London Foyle Special Collections library, where I was responsible for cataloguing and interpreting music materials in a range of languages.  As a classical singer, the ability to understand languages is invaluable and now, as Head of Music in a state secondary school, I use my knowledge of French, Italian and German regularly in lessons to widen my students’ understanding of the English language.

AI cannot replace the in depth study of languages at the highest level.  My brother in law is a self-employed Czech-English translator working in Olomouc and much of his work is now the correction of AI translations.  This takes him twice as long as a straightforward translation from Czech would, and is reflected in the cost to businesses.  A University of Nottingham’s standing should be preparing students for our global society and recognising the wide range of transferable skills taught through the study of languages, culture and translation.

Destroying such an important department as Modern Languages is an attack on the very nature of a university education and is cultural vandalism. I really hope that the University will think again, because, once lost, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to get these subjects back.

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Parent of a current MFL student who understands the value of languages and the arts

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Modern Languages at Nottingham are a JEWEL

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Modern Languages at Nottingham are a JEWEL

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I teach and research in the humanities at another UK university. Nottingham is well known for its stellar Modern Languages department.

The university will not save that much money by cutting this department, long term. And yet the damage that the closure of the department represents - damage to its brilliant staff, damage to students, damage to the UK scholarly landscape, as well as UK's ability to compete in the global economy - is enormous.

This is a travesty and I can only hope that the university administration reverses its course.

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I work in the humanities and modern language studies in the UK.

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My time at the University of Nottingham had, up until now, been an incredible experience because of the staff here and the people I have met. The news that the University plans to get rid of the Department of Modern Foreign Languages feels incredibly short-sighted but also when looking back on my time here, a strategically planned move. They have decimated the courses offered with languages at the university with shallow excuses such as timetabling. However, combined and joint-honour degree programmes are the beating heart of this department fostering intersectionality and diverse ways of thinking. This university was the only one in the country that offered my degree course and after I joined they got rid of it. Yet it has given me the opportunity to learn a language from scratch with skilled professors and lecturers - keeping it engaging and motivating - and develop my language post-A-Level. By getting rid of languages, this university is targeting all the Arts faculties and also Social Sciences, the interdisciplinary approach here was what made Nottingham so attractive and unique - it will reduce the number of students who attend to do History, Liberal arts and so much more.

It has given me so many opportunities to learn and develop skills and gain confidence.

Communication is so important in our current society and this decision devalues this university and the role - the increasing importance - of languages in this country. It cannot claim to be a global university if it does not foster a global mindset through languages.

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We would like to share our utter abhorrence of the planned closure of Modern Languages at Nottingham - one of the most venerable centres of ML generally, and German in particular, in the country. It seems difficult to think that Nottingham can remain a university in any objective sense (that is, by the international standards which ultimately define the matter) if these cuts go ahead. 

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We would like to share our utter abhorrence of the planned closure of Modern Languages at Nottingham - one of the most venerable centres of ML generally, and German in particular, in the country. It seems difficult to think that Nottingham can remain a university in any objective sense (that is, by the international standards which ultimately define the matter) if these cuts go ahead. 

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We work or have worked in UK German Studies

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As a 2014 graduate of History & Russian, and PhD holder in Russian history. I want to express my profound regret, disappointment, and anger at the management of the University of Nottingham for their public decision to announce the closure of the Modern Languages Facility.

My time within the Modern Languages facility at UoN completely shaped my career and personal life. Through a Partridge Bequest to study Czech during the summer between my second and third years of university, I was able to connect with people who would offer me my first role in Communications, a field that I work in this day. Through the grounding I received of three years of Russian language teaching, not only was I able to complete 1.5 years of research in Russia and successfully defend my PhD, but I was also able to work in Russia prior to the outbreak of hostilities. Now, residing in Austria, I am leaning on my experience of learning multiple languages (Russian & Slovenian) at Nottingham when it comes to learning German.

I'm frankly appalled that it is the amazingly dedicated members of staff of MLC, as well as their students, that have to pay the price for the abject financial decisions taken by the University of Nottingham management. Because of their financial mismanagement, others have to suffer, have their lives uprooted, and all their plans thrown out the window.

The argument that these courses are "not profitable" runs thin. Language courses require small cohorts in order for students to receive the appropriate amount of practice within classes.

For the University of Nottingham to claim that it offers "Career-ready skills" on its homepage, and then take away language learning is frankly a joke. Modern languages are an essential skill for the modern, interconnected world which sees business span multiple borders. English may be a lingua franca, but those who have foreign language competencies are far more equipped to have success within multinational companies, particularly those that operate in France or Germany.

It is a shame and a travesty that it has come to this. And I offer my sincerest solidarity to this movement.

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A truly ignorant and intolerant decision

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A truly ignorant and intolerant decision

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As a Russell Group University, deciding to terminate the whole Modern Language department is not only ludicrous, yet also shameful. I find it quite amusing how the University proudly labels itself as a ‘global institution’ - yet it begs the question, what is internationalism without language? The whole concept of being global and international is to have a wide array of differing languages and cultures.

Another thing I find truly laughable, is the fact that this is obviously a financial driven issue. The University recently purchased an extremely expensive new campus that needs to be refurbished. I’m quite sure this is not a priority for the University. As a University, it is their responsibility to be prioritising education - yet they are proposing to axe a whole department in place of creating a new and unnecessary campus. The Department itself induces average costs. Why penalise a department that isn't financially damaging the University, rather than one that is causing excess costs.

The Arts have always been undermined and disregarded compared to STEM and Humanity/Social Sciences degrees, and this decision is simply adding fuel to this unjust fire. Languages and Cultures are more crucial than ever nowadays, and it is really such a shame that this decision was even considered in the first place.

Languages are scientifically proven to increase overall academic performance. It entails countless benefits, including; enhanced communication and adaptability skills, deeper cultural awareness and global tolerance, improved employability, flexibility to study and work, and so many more.

As a language student myself, I am incredibly lucky to reap from endless benefits, such as being able to communicate with people from diverse cultures. I have also found myself to be an incredibly open-minded and considerate person, as a result of the intercultural understanding that these studies provide. Language and culture studies force you to have a strong sense of empathy and general understanding amongst your peers, making them vital for a connected society. This is something that is absolutely vital in today’s society, as we are more divided than ever.

I please urge the council to give some serious thought to this undoubtedly careless and imprudent decision. I sincerely hope that they thoroughly consider the significant emotional impact this will have on numerous staff and students. This will surely damage the reputation of the University.

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Current first year student, BA Modern Languages and Business (French & Spanish)

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Ridiculous closure is thoughtless and selfish

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Ridiculous closure is thoughtless and selfish

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Why on earth the University have disregarded the importance of the arts, I do not know, but I do know the value of language and communication skills firsthand. During the summer I interned at the top University in China, PKU, where when I told them I was studying at UON, and studying languages too, they were so excited, recognising the opportunities that languages bring. Since starting here at the University, I have received exceptional teaching from the Modern Language department, with professors going above and beyond to help me progress in my studies, along with providing interesting cultural elements. These have broadened my understanding of different cultures, and have shaped my understanding of the world we live in. This makes it even more difficult to understand why a russel group university would axe its exceptional language department, at a time when language and cultural studies is vital. A STEM subject wouldn't be axed, so why get rid of a highly sought after and useful degree programme, such as modern languages. The main reason given for the closure was funding - how is modern languages any more expensive than another course? Yes, there is a slightly smaller cohort of students, but this is essential for a language course. Please also consider how this will emotionally affect both staff, and their families, but also students who will undoubtedly feel their degree is worthless.

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Having heard the decision of the University of Nottingham to suspend all foreign languages courses, I was never more ashamed and enraged to be a student of a British university. Earlier in the academic year, the elimination of classes at the language centre raised alarms but still made sense considering the suspected cutbacks of Future Nottingham. However, the unexpected and cowardly decision to suddenly announce the suspension of language courses during our directed studies week was beyond unacceptable to both students and staff. I chose the University of Nottingham precisely because it offered brilliant and rare courses such as Portuguese as well as exchange programs in beyond unique locations around the world, such as the University of Havana.The elimination of foreign languages as well as many other courses and faculties in my eyes is nothing short of planned international isolationism and a decision scarily following the racist and fascist tendencies that have developed in British politics in recent years. Britain is a pillar of higher education internationally and this disgusting attempt to destroy that has left us all infuriated and appalled.

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I am shocked and saddened by the news that the University of Nottingham has decided to suspend modern languages courses for new students.

As a languages graduate of the university, I am truly disheartened – not only for the incredible lecturers and staff affected by this decision, but also for what it says about the declining priority given to modern languages in the UK.

My dissertation on language education in England and France showed how undervalued languages already were in the UK – this decision only makes that clearer.

Some may argue that modern languages are becoming less essential in an English-dominated world, where AI translation tools are gaining speed. However, nothing can replicate the human connection that comes from speaking to someone in their native language.

We must not forget that languages bring huge advantages to the working world. With more companies expanding internationally, there is a growing need to foster meaningful connections with clients overseas.

In a world that often feels divided, the education of cultures and languages are at the heart of bringing people together. These benefits must not be forgotten.

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I believe that the German Department at Nottingham is one of the best and most forward-looking departments in the UK. In view of the insecurity of German Studies in Britain, I consider it irresponsible to shut down this excellent department. A closure of this department would have major implications for other Departments of German across the country and lead to considerable damage to the academic climate across the UK.

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Prof em. Hans-Joachim Hahn (Oxford University)

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I have worked in UK German Studies for many years

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I strongly oppose the proposed closure of Modern Languages degree programmes at the University of Nottingham. Modern Languages are essential for fostering intercultural understanding, supporting global engagement, and addressing the UK’s critical language skills gap. Eliminating these programmes would have long-term, irreversible consequences for students, staff, and the University’s international reputation. I urge decision-makers to reconsider and explore sustainable alternatives that safeguard these vital disciplines.

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I am an Associate Professor in Spanish and Applied Linguistics at the University of East Anglia. This year, students from the University of Nottingham have joined my international research initiative, SAAM (Support for Access to Audiovisual Media https://saamproject.org/), which promotes accessibility and multilingualism in digital media. This collaboration highlights the vital role Modern Languages play in fostering innovative research and global engagement.

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I am a second-year student at the university, and this move absolutely disgusts me. How can a university claim to be an international body, all while cutting languages brutally for no reason other than the university's own ineptitude. They waste millions on a campus they cannot even build then we, those uninvolved with the process, suffer the consequences. This is simply wrong on all levels. I suggest that instead of destroying the university absolutely and further squandering its reputation they sell some of the millions of pounds worth they hold in various stocks. This is a university, a space for education yet it is instead being treated like wall street and we can see the consequences of these actions. Shame on the university and shame on ALL on the board who held even a miniscule amount of power to stop this but have failed to do so. Even referring to the university as a russell group just seems wrong now. I pray that the univeristy realises the errors of its ways and the board remembers that first and foremost this is a univerisity the primary purpose of which is to teach, not generate money for faceless shareholders.

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Long-Term Objectives Over Short-Term Gains

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Long-Term Objectives Over Short-Term Gains

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As a 45-year-old single mother and mature student in my final year of Hispanic Studies, I offer a different perspective. The Modern Languages department has been exceptional, offering varied modules and unwavering support throughout my studies. This degree has transformed my life after redundancy during the pandemic, opening new career pathways at a time when finding work is challenging for young people and let alone someone of my age. The next generation needs every advantage to survive in today’s labour market and the University of Nottingham risks letting them down.

My greatest surprise has not been the level of Spanish I have acquired, but the insight into my own society. On Remembrance Day, I understood the meaning of “Lest We Forget” more profoundly than ever. Studying the Chilean dictatorship, Francoist Spain, and other cultural histories has shown me how fortunate we are in the UK and what we must defend. I now clearly see that teaching languages to future generations is vital for national and international society, encouraging critical thinking on issues such as UK democracy, the ‘immigration crisis’, Brexit, reform movements, and global politics to which the generation like my working-class parents do not understand or fully engage.

Languages are as foundational to the identity of this university as the Portland stone from which it was built. They should be a core factor in strategic decision-making. However, I recognise the need for universities to evolve and to look forward rather than back.

I agree that technology and business subjects are the future for the UK economy but is it wise for the University of Nottingham to place all of its investment into those areas?

The government has made it clear that it intends to favour vocational routes over university degrees. I fully support that this is the most effective way to train people for many technical and professional roles as was the case when I started in publishing at 18. New students will easily be tempted into £30,000-a-year roles, rather than huge university debts. As this accelerates, universities will inevitably lose numbers, and therefore income, in many ‘fashionable’ fields.

However, Languages cannot be learned on the job, they require high-level teaching. They attract students who are genuinely motivated not those seeking the easiest route or the latest trend. They may not pull in large numbers, but they provide a stable and reliable source of income, as well as graduates with essential skills in diplomacy, education, research, culture, business, and global communication in an ever more international society.

If overall enrolment declines, the solution is not to abandon languages. Nottingham should preserve a streamlined but robust faculty, safeguarding academic diversity and its long-term mission.

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As a fourth year French and German student, I know exactly what a loss the closure of the languages department would be - my past three years at UoN have been so incredibly formative. I have been taught about culture, language, history, literature and politics by staff who are not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also excellent communicators and unrelentingly committed to providing an engaging and open environment for learning in which students feel valued and uplifted, and through which my own confidence has grown exponentially. I have experienced first-hand the first-class teaching at Nottingham and alongside the deep sense of injustice I feel about the precarity of my lecturers’ careers, I also know exactly what a loss the axing of the department would be to prospective students all over the country. I feel for those in the East Midlands, who would suddenly find themselves in a ‘cold spot’ for degree-level language study, and my heart breaks particularly for individuals for whom relocation to a different city for university is not possible (whether for financial reasons, family obligations or health reasons) and thus university level language study would simply be inaccessible to them. This surely directly contradicts the university’s value of inclusivity: it what sense is this decision creating “a community where everyone can contribute and be appreciated for who they are”?

I chose to study languages because of my passion for communication and learning about different cultures, and study at Nottingham has only nurtured this passion to grow and flourish – particularly during my year abroad. Without language study, I wouldn’t have volunteered at the Paralympics, working as a part of an incredible team of international volunteers to deliver a spectacular show of global excellence founded upon cross-cultural understanding. I wouldn’t have experienced all the joys of winter in Germany, of meeting and making friends with people from all over the world, of the sense of confidence and pride that comes with realising that you actually can understand and converse with people in an entirely new language – and their surprise and delight when they realise that you’re speaking their language. I wouldn’t have had the chance to live with an incredible 80-year-old French woman, who delighted in showing me with complete pride the joys of her culture and region, who has been hosting English exchange students for the past 10 years and was unrelentingly praising of her ‘anglais’ and of the sharing of respect, culture and warmth that hosting them had brought. But these are just my experiences; I am only one of 550 current undergraduate modern languages students, each of whom have their own wonderful experiences which come exclusively from studying languages. I simply cannot comprehend how a global university can consider this internationally open-minded, horizons-broadening experience to not be a priority, and can only urge them to reconsider their decision.

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I graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2008 with a degree in French Studies with Politics. My languages degree has informed every part of my subsequent career: writing, research, education. None of this would have been possible without the degree there to broaden my cultural, linguistic and political understanding. I work in HE now and I know the sector is under a lot of pressure, but that means that not losing the enormous talent and dedication of the staff is more important than ever. It is not something the University will ever be able to get back once its gone.

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Deep concern over plans to suspend Modern Languages courses at University of Nottingham

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Deep concern over plans to suspend Modern Languages courses at University of Nottingham

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I wish to express my deep concern over University of Nottingham's plan to cut Modern Languages degrees. How does the university plan to achieve its goal to "become known across the world as Britain’s foremost global university" if it becomes the only Russell Group university not to offer degrees in languages, with the resultant damage to its reputation? Such sudden and severe cuts to an entire department and course offerings will affect the university's standing and call into question the ability of its senior management to successfully manage the university's finances and programme offering to students, and to support their excellent staff. Moreover, the university would be creating a languages black hole in the entire East Midlands region, which already ranks highly in terms of educational deprivation. The senior leadership team at Nottingham needs to do everything they can to save languages at their university!

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I am Associate Professor in Interpreting and Translation (with Spanish) and Course Director for Language and Communication Studies BA and MA programmes at another UK university. I have collaborated with excellent researchers and educators at the Modern Languages department at University of Nottingham, notably on a UKRI-funded network which brings together academic and media industry stakeholders.

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As a first year undergraduate student I am appalled with the current threats of termination to jobs and cuts to courses. Not even two months into my course of English and Hispanic studies and instead of being in classes, I am stood protesting for my lecturers' jobs and watching the morale of the most patient, hardworking, and caring educators fall drastically.

Picking up a language from a complete beginner's level alongside my course made me proud to tell my family and friends at home and abroad about attending the University of Nottingham. The fact that this University brandishes "Uk, China, Malaysia" on its logo is embarrassing considering the lack of respect the University holds for languages, culture, and history - visible through the very courses they have deemed unimportant, unprofitable, and therefore unfit to be taught when this is far from true.

The most shameful fact, however, is that the University cannot seem to admit guilt upon its own failures and, instead, has began eradicating the multitude of smaller courses in order to cover their own backs. Claiming there is a declining number of applicants after cutting resources for outreach on top of spending nearly a hundred million pounds on an unused, irrelevant campus or, more accurately, a vanity project and insisting that the Modern Languages and Culture department as well as the other schools being cut are to blame for the decline in funds is ridiculous.

Overall, I hope the faculty, the students, and those involved in any "future" of Nottingham remembers this: Sapientia urbs conditur. Meaning, 'a city is built on wisdom' and that the University and its courses should shape society, not allow society to pressurise the University into what to become and teach. Perhaps those in charge of the future Nottingham has, however, do not realise the importance and value of the University's own motto because they do not understand the incredible significance of languages and culture within Nottingham and our world today.

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As a fourth-year modern language student I was so devasted to hear the news of Nottingham’s proposal to close languages courses. I remember my first open day at Nottingham – I met some of the lecturers, had a conversation with Dr. Paul Smith and knew instantly that I wanted to study at Nottingham. The wide range of module choices and dedicated, passionate staff was just the start.

Since then, I have completed two years at Nottingham and a Year Abroad. They have honestly been the best years of my life; I know it’s cliché. The year abroad specifically was the best year of my life and opened doors to so many opportunities that, now, so many students are not going to be able to experience. I was so proud to be studying at this University, however, since the announcement I feel completely undervalued: I am studying at a university that doesn’t believe my course to be worthy. It is absolutely unimaginable that the University of Nottingham, which considers itself a ‘global’ university, would decide to cut languages. I feel deeply upset for the students in first, second and third years who are going to face disruption to their studies. I feel upset for those students taking A-Level and wanting to come to Nottingham to study languages, and specifically those from the East Midlands where this university may have been their only option. Most of all I’m deeply upset for the staff. They are the most dedicated and hard-working team, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them. Even through these times, after the news, they are still dedicated to giving us students a thorough education.

Even though I have always wanted to be a languages teacher, it is through being at Nottingham that I have solidified this decision. Particularly through the quality of teaching I have received and the role models I’ve had, I want more than ever to pursue this career. What’s more, I have known that I wanted to work in the East Midlands; the university’s decision has made me even more passionate to become a teacher and advocate for languages in an area where they are considered unimportant.

Languages are an integral part of life and human connection. Without languages, understanding other people and other cultures would be impossible. Furthermore, they develop communication and critical thinking skills, vital for understanding the world. The removal of languages at Nottingham is taking away this opportunity for other students to develop these skills which are incredibly important in the global sphere.

Overall, I think it would be a mistake for the University of Nottingham to go through with this disappointing decision. I really hope they reconsider and keep the incredibly important languages department.

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Language and translation are not an add-on

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Language and translation are not an add-on

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The proposed closure of all modern languages degrees at Nottingham represents a fundamental misunderstanding of what language education provides. Behind the bureaucratic language of "programme suspension" are real people—colleagues whose life's work is being dismissed, research communities being scattered, and expertise painstakingly built over decades being thrown away.

As someone who works daily at the intersection of translation and technology, I find the implicit assumption that AI can substitute for language expertise particularly troubling. Algorithms can process patterns, but they cannot grasp cultural context, navigate ethical complexities, or make the balanced judgments that human understanding requires. Technology amplifies human expertise; it doesn't replace it. We need more people with deep language competence to work effectively with these tools, not fewer.

The practical consequences extend far beyond the university. Eliminating all degree-level language study across the East Midlands blocks pathways for an entire region's young people and collapses the pipeline for language teachers in schools. The irony is stark: a university presenting itself as globally oriented is dismantling the very infrastructure that enables global engagement.

Languages are foundational to democracy, economic opportunity, and international collaboration. They're not peripheral offerings to be cut when finances tighten, they're core academic provision that belongs in any comprehensive research-intensive university.

Nottingham must reconsider. There are other ways to address financial pressures that don't involve destroying an entire discipline and the people who have dedicated their careers to it.

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I am an academic and have worked with colleagues from Nottingham

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I graduated from Nottingham in 2010 with a BA in English and Hispanic Studies with Portuguese. My experience studying Modern Languages at Nottingham inspired me to pursue postgraduate study and I am now a Reader in Latin American Studies at Queen Mary University of London.

Nottingham has one of the best Modern Languages departments in the UK. Colleagues in the department publish field-defining research and the closure of its programmes would deprive generations of future students of the experiences I was so lucky to have. Studying Latin American literature and culture, learning Portuguese from scratch, and going on my Year Abroad in Latin America utterly changed the course of my personal and professional life. The decision to suspend entry to ML programmes is short sighted. The damage that will be done by their closure is irreversible and will set a dangerous precedent for these subjects at Russell Group institutions across the country.

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I started studying Modern Languages with Translation at UoN in 2022. When researching my options, I became aware that UoN was one of the few universities in the country to offer a dedicated translation course, and I was so impressed by the range of modules, as well as the enthusiasm of staff and students I met on open days, that Nottingham quickly became my firm choice.

My time as a student at UoN has been enriching on so many levels, and this is above all because of the excellent quality of teaching I have enjoyed across all my modules. I know just how passionate all the staff in MLC are about their subject and in my role as a Student Ambassador, it is always refreshing to meet prospective students who want to continue their language studies beyond A Levels, whether through their degree programme or through the university's Language Centre.

The fact that it will no longer be possible to study languages in the East Midlands is extremely concerning, and I fear that by even considering the closure of such a thriving academic department, the University will have already tarnished its reputation as a global university.

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Needless to say, as a final year Modern Languages and Translation student at Nottingham, I’m deeply upset by the proposals to close MLC courses here.

I’m upset on behalf of all the teaching staff whose passion so clearly shines through in every class I attend, who have put so much effort into their research, and who have still kept showing up every day despite this devastating news. I’m upset on behalf of all the students younger than me, particularly those in the East Midlands, who are now losing out on such an incredible opportunity to learn a language at Nottingham, an opportunity I feel endlessly grateful to have had. I’m upset on behalf of myself and all the other current MLC students at Nottingham who feel deeply undervalued by our own university.

I remember coming to my first open day at Nottingham, where I met the Translation department staff and instantly knew that my decision was made. Nottingham was my first choice from the beginning, and that is owed entirely to its impressive, welcoming and unfalteringly enthusiastic MLC department.

Whilst studying languages at Nottingham, I’ve met likeminded people who have become some of my most valued friends. I’ve been part of French Society every year, on committee for two years, connecting native speakers with learners and meeting those with a love for languages that has grown so much it overflows out of the classroom. Most importantly, I had the unforgettable opportunity of a year abroad. I know this is such a stereotype, but my year abroad has wholly changed me as a person – I went from someone who was anxiously dreading it, thinking I was going to just “get through the year”, to someone who in hindsight, wouldn’t change a thing. Someone who now has friendships that cross borders. Someone whose vocabulary has expanded with specific anecdotes I’ll never forget, from making mistakes and growing. Someone whose heart now has fragments scattered across Europe. Someone whose confidence has grown in a way I never thought it would, consolidated by the experience of being thrown into the deep end and realising, actually, you’ve been equipped with all the skills you need to thrive.

Nottingham has been fundamental in cultivating and shaping my enthusiasm for languages; I truly think I would be a different person without it, I certainly wouldn’t be considering graduate positions in translation or editorial publishing if it wasn't for MLC. What’s more, my degree hasn’t just taught me languages – I’ve also studied literature, film, politics, history, phonetics, to name just a few. A degree in languages encompasses so many interdisciplinary skills that have enhanced my critical thinking and broadened my worldview more than ever before.

Overall, my most prominent feeling is disappointment – we hear so much rhetoric nowadays that languages aren’t important, but we all know this fundamentally isn’t true. Languages build bridges, languages create common ground, languages demonstrate empathy. I’m deeply ashamed that my own university disagrees with this. My heart breaks for the staff at Nottingham, for future students, and for the future of languages as a whole, which is taking a step in the completely wrong direction. I seriously hope that this proposal will be reconsidered – put simply, my life wouldn’t be nearly as full as it is now if it weren’t for my study of MLC at Nottingham.

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As a UK graduate of modern languages, now working in Ireland, I am extremely saddened and alarmed to see a leading university in my home country, whose mission states that it aims to help shape the "future on a global scale", removing modern languages from its curriculum. Multilingualism is crucial if we are to embrace diversity and work for intercultural understanding and tolerance. Nurturing a linguistic mindset brings so many benefits - personal, social and economic - and is essential for our future.

As the current External Examiner to the German Studies section at Nottingham I have had the opportunity to see at first hand the excellent quality of staff and student work and the section’s tireless commitment to delivering innovative, inclusive, holistic education. I am extremely sad for my colleagues. I stand in solidarity with them and hope that the University will reassess its priorities and commit to sustaining and developing the proud tradition of modern languages at Nottingham.

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Current External Examiner, German Studies, Nottingham 

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As a Professor of Language Sciences and former Vice-Rector for Internationalisation (2021–2022) at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), as well as Director of the Centre for Studies in Letters (CEL, 2017–2025), I express my deepest concern regarding the proposed closure of all Modern Languages degrees at the University of Nottingham.

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As a Professor of Language Sciences and former Vice-Rector for Internationalisation (2021–2022) at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), as well as Director of the Centre for Studies in Letters (CEL, 2017–2025), I express my deepest concern regarding the proposed closure of all Modern Languages degrees at the University of Nottingham.

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Modern Languages are not an optional luxury: they are a foundation of academic life, international research, cultural understanding and civic engagement. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with colleagues, students and research centres in the UK — including at the University of Nottingham — and I have seen firsthand how crucial languages are for building academic bridges, sustaining global cooperation and ensuring that universities remain genuinely open and international.

The East Midlands must not become a “cold spot” for Modern Languages. Ending degree-level provision would jeopardise the training of future language teachers and weaken entire areas of knowledge that rely on advanced linguistic and cultural expertise — from history, philosophy and literature to law, translation, business and international relations. It would also restrict opportunities for local students who deserve access to a comprehensive, globally oriented education.

As scholars, educators and citizens, we must defend the irreplaceable role that languages play in shaping an inclusive, connected and culturally enriched society. I stand firmly with the staff, students and broader community of the University of Nottingham in urging that this decision be reconsidered without delay.

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I first heard about the University of Nottingham more than 20 years ago, when I was applying to study Modern Languages. UoN was known for their unique programme offering students the opportunity to study 3 modern languages at undergraduate level. Many years later, I moved from London to Nottingham to do my PhD in Hispanic Studies. Nottingham is such an affordable city compared to London, and is so student-friendly. I arrived as a mature student and immediately was offered teaching work alongside my PhD. Over five very enjoyable and enriching years I taught undergraduate and MA students in Modern Languages and translation. I grew to respect the staff in Modern Languages very highly, and I really feel for them in this situation. For a Russell Group university with an excellent reputation for Modern Languages to lose their Modern Languages offering is just tragic. It really seems as if the leadership of the University has totally the wrong priorities. I hope we can all combine our voices and take action to halt the suspension of the Modern Languages courses at Nottingham.

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As a PhD student and member of staff at UoN in Modern Languages

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This proposal is absolute madness, especially at a time when languages graduates are needed more than ever. Where on earth will the language, linguistic and cultural skills come from in the UK if not from university language departments? I have written to the VC and DVC at Nottingham with the sincere hope they wake up and break free from the "prison of English", to quote a Polish linguist. 

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This proposal is absolute madness, especially at a time when languages graduates are needed more than ever. Where on earth will the language, linguistic and cultural skills come from in the UK if not from university language departments? I have written to the VC and DVC at Nottingham with the sincere hope they wake up and break free from the "prison of English", to quote a Polish linguist. 

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It is an economic and diplomatic necessity for young people in the UK to be trained in foreign languages; accordingly, it is vital that universities continue to invest robustly in these subjects, enabling them to grow. Perhaps contrary to the general perception, plenty of young people in the UK are interested in, indeed passionate about, learning languages, as those who work with them in languages programmes will attest. Yet opportunities for language learning have been eroded, especially since 2004, when studying a modern foreign language at GCSE ceased to be compulsory. The problem then was a lack of investment. If universities see it as part of their remit to enable the country to flourish, then they need to recognise the importance of language learning, both for relations with international partners (in politics and in business) and for the healthy functioning of society within the UK. The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Nottingham has been, and should continue to be, a driving force in this nationwide effort. Colleagues in Modern Languages at Nottingham produce world-class research, they are innovative teachers, and they are also particularly engaged in outreach and policy. They deliver outstanding degree programmes for the University, and their contributions resonate far beyond it. If Nottingham truly believes in the values and goals articulated on its own website – ‘openness, ‘cultivating a global mindset’, and being ‘a university without borders’ – then it will support Modern Languages.

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I am an academic at another university and have worked with colleagues from Nottingham in a variety of contexts.

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Languages are not just about words.

This is a truth that too often goes unheard — or worse, forgotten. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I studied five languages, and what I gained went far beyond mastering grammar rules or memorising idiomatic expressions. The deep study of languages profoundly shaped essential personal qualities such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to understand perspectives radically different from my own.

Learning languages taught me how to use these personal attributes to benefit not only my work environment but also the society I live in. It fostered critical thinking, cognitive flexibility, intercultural awareness, and the capacity to navigate diverse communication settings with confidence and sensitivity. The study of Modern Languages forms adaptable professionals who excel across diverse job markets and ensure that team relationships function smoothly, enabling genuine collaboration and lasting success. It forms human beings who can work together and understand one another in a world increasingly marked by conflict — conflict that often stems from a lack of understanding, the erosion of empathy, and a disregard for the very subjects that enrich our minds and souls. The closure of Modern Languages departments is more than an administrative decision; it is a quiet contribution to a culture of impoverishment. By removing these subjects, we deny today’s students the sensitivity, tools, and awareness that tomorrow’s professionals will urgently need. Their disappearance from our institutions represents a loss we can scarcely afford.

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I had the pleasure and honour of working with — and being supervised by — academics teaching and researching Modern Languages at the University of Nottingham. Thanks to their expertise and the quality of their guidance, I have the stable career I enjoy today.

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Learning about other languages and cultures is such an important part of education. When students study Modern Languages, they learn to respect different world views, to communicate with people effectively, and to appreciate the value of culture and cultural artefacts. These aspects are becoming more and more important in our globalised and technologized society. Failing to see the value in modern languages programmes is short-sighted. The research coming out of Nottingham University’s School of Modern Languages and Cultures is at the forefront of the discipline, and harnesses interdisciplinary methods to provide genuine and novel empirical insight into certain aspects of translation that have previously been theorised and speculated upon. Suspending these programmes risks preventing whole cohorts of students from learning from research leaders, and once again takes British society further in towards itself. The challenges we face in today’s society clearly demonstrate the need for the expertise of modern languages students and researchers, and I fear that only once we no longer have any will we realise how much we need them.

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I am an academic in touch with researchers at Nottingham

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My Modern Language of choice is Chinese, something which I have used to study Translation and Interpreting at MA level. My PG studies have cultivated my keen interest in translation research in the context of our digital age. Further to this, my language skills have also allowed me to branch into language-related teaching and learning research as well as research in intercultural communication, and that's just the academic part! On a more personal level, learning Chinese has given me a greater sociocultural understand of native Chinese speakers and even a greater understanding of myself as a British native speaker of English. My teachers who have come along on this journey with me have become my friends and colleagues. They have dedicated hours of their time to ensure that I could make as much progress as possible in my studies, and even now in my career as a translator and researcher (not to mention the countless other jobs that my language skills have given me!) I could write countless things about the wonderful opportunities I have gained from Modern Languages, and tell many stories about the close relationships I have developed as a result of learning Chinese, but what I want to highlight the most is that Modern Languages are not simply about learning how to say "hello" in another language, they are about self-reflexivity towards your own cultural values and ways of thinking, community, cross-cultural relationships and so much more. My teachers have not only given me their time, they have given me the tools to expand my knowledge, broaden my view and to change my life for the better. I am so grateful for all of my teachers, colleagues and friends I have met at UoN, and it saddens me to see the threat that our wonderful Modern Languages Department is under. To take away these opportunities would be a disservice to the University and it would severely undermine the global reputation of the University. Please support our students, staff and Modern Languages overall!

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I am a former PG student and a local Nottingham resident, as someone with a keen interest in Chinese, I was first attracted to the University by way of the Nottingham Confucius Institute.

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I was recently at a university reunion - I left university in 1990. The linguists in the room had gone on to be educators, translators, interpreters and researchers, but also politicians, senior managers and executives, policy makers, diplomats, health workers, and many other important and fulfilling professions. Languages are not just about language. Many other countries consider languages so important that they start learning them at primary school. The Modern Languages department at the University of Nottingham is a shining beacon of good practice and research, an essential part of a modern university. To deny this is short-sighted, cynical, and, some might say, colonial. Languages are about communication, cultural understanding, and humanity.

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I was, until recently, an academic at another UK university. I have collaborated with staff and attended events. 