Language study is good, economically and socially

The renewed enthusiasm among Leaving Certificate students for the study of languages (‘Languages gain student popularity in Leaving Certificate’, Irish Examiner, 10 March) bodes well for Ireland’s future economic development and the promotion of a multi-cultural, linguistically diverse society in Ireland.

From an economic viewpoint, the limited supply of suitably qualified foreign language graduates has been a lingering footnote of the nation’s prolonged economic weakness in the face of rising exports and increasing interaction with international markets.

A recent study by Forfás highlights the importance of improving foreign language competencies across the population to support Irish-led enterprise and trade into international markets.