This is a holding page for the Speak to the future website. Look out for the launch of our new site in the coming weeks!

Speak to the future is a new campaign which is highlighting the importance of languages, language learning and professional language activities for the UK. Targeting the public, media and government, our initiatives are raising awareness of the issue – and aim to bring about a step-change in attitude and policy in favour of languages.

The campaign is backed by leading professional and business organisations who are convinced of the importance of language learning for the future of our society, our citizens and our economy.

The campaign objectives

The campaign has five clear and ambitious objectives that set out the value of learning and using other languages in all sectors of education and at all stages of life.

  1. Every language valued as an asset
    This will encourage policy makers and citizens to recognise that the many languages used in the homes of UK citizens are a valuable resource for social cohesion and economic success.

    Download the briefing (PDF, 345 KB)

  2. A coherent experience of languages for all children in primary school
    This will introduce the learning of other languages and cultures as well as develop a better understanding of how the child’s own languages work.  

    Download the briefing (PDF, 357 KB)

  3. A basic working knowledge of at least two languages including English for every child leaving secondary school
    This will equip every school leaver to live and work in a global society where confidence in learning and using other languages is a major advantage.

    Download the briefing (PDF, 322 KB)

  4. Every graduate qualified in a second language
    This will prepare future leaders in business, the professions, voluntary organisations, education and research to thrive and communicate confidently in complex global societies.

    Download the briefing (PDF, 318 KB)

  5. An increase in the number of highly qualified linguists
    This will fulfil the growing need for language professionals, especially English speaking interpreters and translators, and for teachers and researchers specialising in languages and cultures.

    Download the briefing (PDF, 324 KB)

Through research and collaboration, the campaign will demonstrate the importance of languages for the UK’s strategic and political influence, economic success, business opportunities, rich cultural life and civilised society. It will also gather and present evidence of the cognitive, social and career benefits of language learning for individuals.

Supporters of the campaign include: 

British Academy
Chartered Institute of Linguists

The campaign is managed by an Executive Committee which in turn reports twice a year to an Advisory Board.

Campaign resources and news

Download documents relating to the campaign and our press releases.

Can you help?

At this early stage of the campaign, we need to recruit people and organisations to support languages, who in the coming months and years can help us to run high profile activities which make the media, government and public sit up and listen. Your ideas, time, expertise or donation could all make a big difference - read some examples of ways in which you could help.