Learning a language is a sign of good diplomacy.

The call for students to learn a foreign language not only stems from economic needs but also from the need of improved security and diplomacy, in particular a better understanding of cultures and languages in order to better understand threats to the state and improved foreign services are needed.[1] In many Anglophone countries even in the role of a diplomat there are worrying numbers who do not have the language skills they need, for example in Canada “only 16% of the 180 foreign service officers who were required to have advanced foreign languages skills for their positions, could speak the needed language.”[2] As a 2007 National Academy of sciences report warns us “the pervasive lack of knowledge of foreign languages and cultures threatens the security of the united states as well as its ability to compete in the global marketplace and produce an unformed citizenry”. [3] Since the increased security post 9/11 the government accountability office (GAO) have reported that there are a shortage of foreign language expertise within the government and for this reason may undermine national security. Much of the population of mainland Europe go to great lengths to learn foreign languages, especially the dominant English. English speakers should reciprocate the efforts made by their foreign counterparts; Nicolas Sarkozy for example is aiming to make France into a bilingual nation.[4] Across Europe at least 20% of third-level students claim to be proficient in at least two foreign languages. However, in countries where English is a major language, this is not the case; in Ireland, for example the figure is only 5%.[5] In the United States the situation is similar only 31% of US elementary schools and 24% of public schools teach foreign languages.[6] Expecting foreign countries to communicate through dominant English is a lazy and arrogant attitude to language and should not be permitted. Therefore learning languages up to the age of sixteen should be compulsory. [1] Kollipara, Puneet, ‘Government still trying to catch up on foreign language capabilities’, The Hill, 12 June 2010,  http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/102833-government-still-trying-to-catch-up-on-foreign-language-capabilities [2] Raj, Althia, ‘Canadian diplomats don’t have necessary foreign language skills’, Toronto Sun, 3 September 2010, http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/09/02/15229446.html [3] Mary Ellen O’Connell and Janet L. Norwood ed. ‘International Education and Foreign Languages: Keys to Securing America's Future’ National Academy of Sciences, 2007, http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11841 [4] Agence Bretagne Presse, ‘Nicolas Sarkozy veut faire de la France une nation bilingue’, 12 September 2007, http://www.agencebretagnepresse.com/fetch.php?id=7905&title=Nicolas%20Sarkozy%20veut%20faire%20de%20la%20France%20une%20nation%20bilingue [5] Irish Independent, ‘Only 5 percent at third-level able to speak two foreign languages’, CareersPortal.ie, 16 June 2011, http://www.careersportal.ie/news/news.php?Heading=Only+5+percent+at+third-level+able+to+speak+two+foreign+languages&ID=16061102 [6] Washington Times, ‘Analysis: U.S. must strengthen foreign language education’, 26 December 2008 http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/dec/26/us-must-strengthen-foreign-language-education/?page=all