Tim Connell: Languages are good for the economy

From a lecture given by the City University's professor of languages to the NGO Praxis, in London

Although the British do not have a good reputation as linguists, we are not as monoglot as it might seem. Foreign companies are coming to Britain in increasing numbers, and while this is partly because of factors such as the time zone, it is also because Britain can offer a multilingual working environment. Of the 300 or so call centres in Scotland, at least a third provide a wide array of languages.

However, languages are still not seen as a core skill for many jobs, although they are often used as a tie-breaker when employers are screening young graduates. Perhaps a language's importance should be judged using a system of three E's – the Essential (translators, teachers); those that will Enhance performance at work (marketing); and those that will Enable people to improve customer care.

There is a fourth E to add here: Education. The language strategy promised for the autumn will need to be closely scrutinised. Britain should follow its European partners and make languages available at primary level, and ensure that the opportunity to study them continues beyond 16. We should make it easier for adults to continue with their language-learning activities throughout their working lives.

Languages are not just useful for the odd conversation on holiday. They are increasingly part of the fabric of our modern society. Linguistic ability can be seen almost as a barometer of social shifts. It may surprise Lord Tebbit to hear that my son was taught to bat by a "Diego", who himself was taught by a "Hiruyoki". There's hope for the Lord's selectors yet.