Emily Bird
In my experience of university and school, the study of languages has been overshadowed by more “practical” fields like Maths or Science. But with the recent production of film and TV shows that promote the diversity of language, the study is becoming more relevant and exciting than ever.
Languages & streaming services
If you scroll through Netflix or other similar streaming services, English is no longer the only language featured in trending media.
With All Quiet on the Western Front’s BAFTA success and the popularity of Emily in Paris, younger generations might start to see a reason not to doze off in their language classes at school.
Of course, foreign language content is usually dubbed in English, with subtitles making them more accessible for English speakers to enjoy. But, since these tools have been available for some time, it’s worth asking why UK interest in modern language film has increased so much in recent years.
It could be argued that our enjoyment of these films is an anti-Brexit response. There’s an underlying desire for those against Brexit to feel reconnected to Europe and European culture. Watching particular foreign language films and series from the region could be a way to rekindle this bond.
The next natural question for observers to ask is whether this is part of a nostalgic phase of the Brexit divorce, or whether it’s the start of a mainstream permanent and sustained interest.
The effects of language representation
Despite Emily In Paris‘s unrealistic portrayal of living abroad, the series catalysed a surge of the search term “Paris holidays” in the UK. It could be argued this doesn’t directly correlate to a rise in language learning, as the Lingua Franca (dominant world language) across Europe is still English: tourists wouldn’t necessarily have to learn French to visit Paris. However, people’s increased urge to travel may change their attitudes towards foreign languages and how unifying they can be.
Living abroad has made it clear to me that English isn’t the most important language everywhere in the world. For example, we should accept the fact that Mandarin will find itself in the top spot of learned languages, as a result of China’s rapid development and vast international trade.
Similarly, we should also come to terms with the reality that Europe will want to focus on French and German as its predominant tools of communication, with the UK no longer being such a direct EU player in the post-Brexit era.
The benefits of linguistic authenticity
When it comes to German-language film, I’m sure there are very few Brits who could name several if they have never studied the language. But the big successes of films like All Quiet on the Western Front might change this. All Quiet on the Western Front is just one example of how bringing back linguistic authenticity to film settings can make for a far more fascinating viewing experience.
Of course, this does not mean that Anna Karenina should be a Russian-language film, or that English period pieces should use Old English, but I believe authenticity can add a new depth to a film that is otherwise hard to achieve.
The King is a great example of a film which creates this sense of authenticity. Henry V, played by Timothée Chalamet, invades France in the Battle of Agincourt. History buffs will be acutely aware that the language at court would have been French, but the film is predominantly in English. Yet, there are scenes where the king communicates with various French nobility in the vernacular language, making for a more interesting viewing experience.
The UK government’s approach to languages
It’s important to note that the progress of language study is also facing some setbacks. Recently, the UK Government announced a focus on investing in STEM subjects. Arts subjects have seen a 40% drop in entries since 2010. Meanwhile, STEM subjects have received a major investment of £179 million in recent years and have seen a higher comparative student intake as a result.
Such disparities might sound arbitrary, but with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plan to focus on STEM subjects, and his specific desire to incorporate Maths into the compulsory curriculum until the age of 18, it’s clear that there is still some way to go until language education is viewed of equal importance.
The future of language-learning
If films and TV continue to be inclusive of languages within mainstream media, perhaps modern language departments in UK education could rest easily. Representing a plethora of languages on-screen could be a great catalyst to encourage individuals to take up the study of languages of their own accord.
Although Brexit means a lessened need for European languages in British politics, the rise of foreign language cinema may shine a well-needed spotlight on the practical benefits of the Arts.
Ultimately, the media is in a strong position to convey the importance of languages to consumers, including those tempted to take up some form of language study. Hopefully, the increase in exposure to other languages and cultures that streaming services provide will propel the process.
Featured image courtesy of Sigmund via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes have been made to this image.
embi98
I’m a modern languages graduate currently living and working in Japan. I enjoy writing about politics, travel and languages and I hope you enjoy the read.