Language 1: English
Language 2: Welsh
Use:: National
Use:: Regional
Use in percentages:: >75%
Use in percentages:: <5%
Language 1: English
Language 2: Welsh
Comments on 1.3: English is de facto the official language of the United Kingdom. See for example the directscot web site at: http://www.directscot.org/article/english-language. In the 2011 Census, 92.3 per cent of people (49.8 million) aged three and over in England and Wales reported English as their main language (English or Welsh in Wales) (http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census-analysis/language-in-england-and-wales-2011/rpt---language-in-england-and-wales--2011.html#tab-Main-language-in-England-and-Wales).
For general language information from the 2013 census see e.g.: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/taxonomy/index.html?nscl=Language
As a result of the Welsh Language Act 1993 and subsequent legislation English and Welsh are to be treated in Wales on a ‘basis of equality’ (see Section 2 below). Governmental bodies and agencies in England typically operate policies for responding to enquiries from Welsh-speakers in Welsh and to make documentation available in Welsh if it is requested.
The new Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (amongst other things) gives the Welsh language official status in Wales; provides for a Welsh Language Partnership Council; establishes the role of the Welsh Language Commissioner.
According to the 2011 national census, 19 per cent of people aged three and over in Wales were able to speak Welsh (562,000) (http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census-analysis/language-in-england-and-wales-2011/rpt---language-in-england-and-wales--2011.html#tab-Welsh-Language--). This is lower than the equivalent result in 2001.
See this link for preliminary report on the Welsh language in the 2011 national census:
http://wales.gov.uk/docs/statistics/2012/121211sb1182012en.pdf. The census did not ask specifically about first-language in Wales. See also: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census-analysis/language-in-england-and-wales-2011/rpt---language-in-england-and-wales--2011.html#tab-Welsh-Language--
The legislation as regards Scottish Gaelic is less advanced than that of Welsh, and so for the purposes of this questionnaire Scottish Gaelic has not been treated as an official regional language – though there is no doubt that it is expected that it will achieve this status.
For information on the Gaelic Language Plan see: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/07/06161418/3
Yes
1.0: Scottish Gaelic, Scots, Ulster Scots
2.0: Irish
Comments on 1.4: The Scottish Parliament legislates in English. The Parliament’s Gaelic Language Plan 2008-2013, required under The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, seeks to give effect to the principle that the Gaelic and English languages should be accorded equal respect. The Parliament, for historical and cultural reasons, also recognises the use of Scots.
When Gaelic is used in meetings of the Parliament and committee meetings, the Official Report incorporates the Gaelic text before the report of the English interpretation.
When Scots is used in meetings of the Parliament and committee meetings, the Official Report incorporates that language in the body of the text.
For a fuller description of the Scottish Parliament’s procedures see:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/135.aspx
The importance of both Irish and Ulster Scots was recognised in the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement 1998. Consequently An Foras Teanga (The Language Body) was set up under the British-Irish Agreement Act (1999) and The North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 to promote both Irish and Ulster-Scots. See http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/Irish/AnForasTeanga/, which states that:
An Foras Teanga comprises two separate Agencies, i.e.
• Foras na Gaeilge, successor to Bord na Gaeilge, with the principal responsibility of promoting the Irish language in every aspect of everyday life throughout the island of Ireland, and
• Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch (The Ulster-Scots Agency), with the principal responsibility of promoting the Ulster-Scots language and culture, both within Northern Ireland and throughout the island of Ireland.
The NI Assembly legislates in English. However the St. Andrew’s Agreement Act (2006) states:
(1) The Executive Committee shall adopt a strategy setting out how it proposes to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language.
(2) The Executive Committee shall adopt a strategy setting out how it proposes to enhance and develop the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture.
(3) The Executive Committee—
(a) must keep under review each of the strategies; and
(b) may from time to time adopt a new strategy or revise a strategy.
Currently the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure (DCAL) are working on a
strategy for indigenous languages which will have to be cleared by the NI
Executive before publication. A publication date has not been announced. See http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CFMQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcalni.gov.uk%2Fdepartmental_business_plan_2009-10_-_final_version_-5.doc&ei=2cWQUdXXI8-M0wWdyoCoDQ&usg=AFQjCNEzsvny6kN4YL4wUO61bDHT1RP36A&sig2=eHRAwpzuEscC74WeCVSnRQ&bvm=bv.46340616,d.d2k&cad=rja
A protocol regarding the use of Irish and Ulster Scots with Government
Departments and Local Authorities was drawn up by DCAL and can be found at:
http://www.dcalni.gov.uk/index/language-cultural-diversity-r08/frequently_asked_questions.htm#q6
It is not, however, possible to use Irish in the Courts due to the Administration of Justice (Language) Act (Ireland) 1737 which states:
To remedy those great mischiefs, and to protect the lives and fortunes of the subjects of this kingdom more effectually than heretofore from the peril of being ensnared, and brought into danger, by forms and proceedings in courts of justice in an unknown language, . . . and all proceedings whatsoever in any courts of justice within this kingdom, and which concern the law and administration of justice, shall be in the English tongue and language, and not in Latin or French, or any other tongue or language whatsoever,
This law, which was never repealed in NI despite the fact that it was repealed in Wales and Scotland, prohibits the use of Irish in the Courts.
Yes
1.0: Cornish
Comments on 1.5: The use of Cornish as a first language died out in the eighteenth century. Since its revival in the early twentieth century it has achieved the status of officially recognised regional language, though the number of speakers remains small. For commentary on the results of the 2013 census see for example: http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/500-say-Cornish-language/story-18031180-detail/story.html#axzz2TAYzDAlE
The Channels Islands and the Isle of Man are Crown Dependencies, and are not part of the United Kingdom.
1.0: Polish
2.0: Pubjabi
3.0: Urdu
Comments on 1.6: See listing at: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census-analysis/language-in-england-and-wales-2011/rpt---language-in-england-and-wales--2011.html#tab-Main-language-in-England-and-Wales
Country 1: Ireland
Country 2: Malta
Country 1 (outside the European Union): Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Eritrea, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Maritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Safwaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Country 2 (outside the European Union): Asia: India, Pakistan, Singapore
Country 3 (outside the European Union): North America: English Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Country 4 (outside the European Union): Oceania: Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesai, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuata
Country 5 (outside the European Union): South America: Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago
Country 1 (outside the European Union): none
Comments on 1.7: English is also the predominant language in the United States (with official status in some states) and in Australia.
For convenience, information taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_where_English_is_an_official_language
Yes
Cornish, Irish, Scots, Ulster Scots, Scottish Gaelic, Manx Gaelic, Welsh
See detailed reservations etc at http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/Commun/ListeDeclarations.asp?NT=148&CM=1&DF=27/08/2009&CL=ENG&VL=1
Comments on 1.8: Charter signatories: http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/Commun/ChercheSig.asp?NT=148&CM=1&DF=27/08/2009&CL=ENG
Yes
Details may be found at http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/minorities/3_FCNMdocs/Table_en.asp#United_Kingdom
No
No answer
Yes
Original language: Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources
There is no UK language law regarding the use of English or any other language in official matters. See section 2.3 below for reference to the Welsh Language Act 1993 and the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005. Subsequent legislation such as The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (Commencement No.6) Order 2012 and The Welsh Language Schemes (Public Bodies) Order 2012 have helped to develop policy (see http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/welsh%20language).
With regard to Welsh
1a) An Act to establish a Board having the function of promoting and facilitating the use of the Welsh language, to provide for the preparation by public bodies of schemes giving effect to the principle that in the conduct of public business and the administration of justice in Wales the English and Welsh languages should be treated on a basis of equality, to make further provision relating to the Welsh language, to repeal certain spent enactments relating to Wales, and for connected purposes.
1b) Duty of notified public bodies to prepare schemes
(1) Every public body to which a notice is given under section 7 below and which—
(a) provides services to the public in Wales, or
(b) exercises statutory functions in relation to the provision by other public bodies of services to the public in Wales,
shall prepare a scheme specifying the measures which it proposes to take, for the purpose mentioned in subsection (2) below, as to the use of the Welsh language in connection with the provision of those services, or of such of them as are specified in the notice.
(2) The purpose referred to in subsection (1) above is that of giving effect, so far as is both appropriate in the circumstances and reasonably practicable, to the principle that in the conduct of public business and the administration of justice in Wales the English and Welsh languages should be treated on a basis of equality.
(3) In preparing a scheme under this Part of this Act a public body shall have regard to any guidelines issued by the Board under section 9 below.
1c) Use of Welsh in legal proceedings
(1) In any legal proceedings in Wales the Welsh language may be spoken by any party, witness or other person who desires to use it, subject in the case of proceedings in a court other than a magistrates' court to such prior notice as may be required by rules of court; and any necessary provision for interpretation shall be made accordingly.
(2) Any power to make rules of court includes power to make provision as to the use, in proceedings in or having a connection with Wales, of documents in the Welsh language.
With regard to Scottish Gaelic
2a) An Act of the Scottish Parliament to establish a body having functions exercisable with a view to securing the status of the Gaelic language as an official language of Scotland commanding equal respect to the English language, including the functions of preparing a national Gaelic language plan, of requiring certain public authorities to prepare and publish Gaelic language plans in connection with the exercise of their functions and to maintain and implement such plans, and of issuing guidance in relation to Gaelic education.
English translation: n/a
Reference (name of the law, article number, date): n/a
Comments on 2.3: With regard to Welsh
1a) Welsh Language Act 1993 ch. 38 (preamble)
1b) Welsh Language Act 1993 ch. 38, pt II, section 5
1c) Welsh Language Act 1993 ch. 38, pt III, section 22
For the text of the Act see:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1993/ukpga_19930038_en_1#Legislation-Preamble
This Act has been supplemented by subsequent legislation: the Government of Wales Act 1998 c. 38 (see especially pt. II, section 32(c) on support for the Welsh language, and pt. III, section 47(i), reiterating the ‘basis of equality’ on which Welsh and English will be regarded. See also the Government of Wales Act 2006 ch. 32, especially pt. II, section 78 on the Welsh language.
Copies of these acts may be found at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts.htm.
The responsibilities of the WLB set up by the 1993 legislation were transferred to the new Welsh Language Commissioner on 1 April 2012 under the terms of the The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (Commencement No.6) Order 2012.
With regard to Scottish Gaelic
Legislation is in place which has established a language board with responsibility for the promotion of Scottish Gaelic, and a National Plan for Gaelic 2007-2012 has been published (http://www.bord-na-gaidhlig.org.uk/gaelic-language-plans.html).
2a) Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 (preamble)
See http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2005/asp_20050007_en_1#pb1-l1g1 for the text of the act.
For details about the National Plan for Gaelic 2007-12 see: http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/Downloads/National-Plan/National%20Plan%20for%20Gaelic.pdf. Historic Scotland’s Gaelic Language Plan 2007-17 may be found here: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/hs-gaelic-language-plan-english.pdf
The Highland Council’s Gaelic Language Plan 2012-16 was approved by the Bòrd na Gàidhlig in 2012: see http://www.highland.gov.uk/livinghere/gaelic/gaeliclanguageplan/
Yes
Comments on 2.4: Responsibility for immigration matters lies with the Home Office. The Home Secretary endorsed the recommendation of the ‘Life in the UK’ advisory group (2003). There is no specific legislation relating to this test.
In order to achieve naturalization most applicants are required to take the ‘Life in the UK’ test. This requirement is waived for some applicants, especially those who already hold specific language qualifications. Non-native speakers may take an ESOL test which includes citizenship questions.
Further details about the test may be found at: http://lifeintheuktest.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/.
The test is normally taken in English. However, regionally it may be taken in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.
Additional information may also be found at the web site of the UK Border Agency: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/.
N/A
Comments on 2.5: There is no explicit legislation on this subject. Language courses are not compulsory, but are offered for those who may not meet the standard required by the ‘Life in the UK’ test.
Official handbooks for those wishing to take the ‘Life in the UK’ test are available: see http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/bookstore.asp?FO=1240167&trackid=002353
No
No
No
n/a
Comments on 3.1: De facto English is the principal medium of instruction in the UK educational system. For variation in the regions see 3.2.
Yes
Quotation in original language: 1a) Education Act 1944, pt. IV, section 76
1b) Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, section 2(2).
1c) Statutory Instrument 1998 No. 1759 (N.I. 13): Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998
1a) “Pupils to be educated in accordance to the wishes of their parents.”
1b) “National Gaelic Language Plan... Those proposals must include a strategy for promoting, and facilitating the promotion of—
(a) the use and understanding of the Gaelic language, and
(b) Gaelic education and Gaelic culture.”
1c) “It shall be the duty of the Department to encourage and facilitate the development of Irish-medium education.”
The 1944 Education Act is regarded as the legislative text which enables the concept of the choice of language medium within UK education. The National Assembly for Wales, the Scottish Parliament, and the Northern Ireland Assembly endorse the principle of language choice for the medium of instruction.
The Welsh Language Act 1993 includes county councils and other education authorities amogst the ‘public bodies’ who have a duty to abide by the terms of the act and subsequent measures.
In 2007/8 there were 464 Welsh-medium primary schools in Wales (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welsh_medium_education#Secondary_Education).
These schools were responsible for the education of 54,895 pupils.
“The number of pupils who are in Gaelic Medium Education at primary school level has risen from 24 in 1985 to 2418 in the school year 2011/2012. 730 children registered in Gaelic nurseries in 2011/12.” (http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/bord/en/our-work/education/
)
Gaelic-medium teaching is also available in units within schools where the principal medium of instruction is English.
Dr Micheál Ó Duibh (Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta) stated in an Education Committee meeting (http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Assembly-Business/Official-Report/Committee-Minutes-of-Evidence/Session-2012-2013/December-2012/Education-Bill-Irish-medium-Sector-Briefing/ - Education Committee) that tere were 36 Irish-medium primary schools in NI.
Statutory Instrument 1998 No. 1759 (N.I. 13) may be found at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1998/19981759.htm
Irish-medium teaching is also available in units within schools where the principal medium of instruction is English.
Quotation in English: n/a
No
Yes
Quotation in original language: In 2007/8 there were 54 Welsh-medium secondary schools in Wales (http://wales.gov.uk/docs/statistics/2008/081127swgs2008ch7ency.pdf?lang=en).
These schools were responsible for the educationof 40,756 pupils.
The provision of schools providing a fully Gaelic-medium secondary education is currently restricted. Such education is available at Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, the Glasgow Gaelic School (approx 750 pupils). See also comments at: http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/bord/en/our-work/education/
Gaelic-medium teaching is also available in units within schools where the principal medium of instruction is English.
Dr Micheál Ó Duibh (Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta) stated in an Education Committee meeting (http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Assembly-Business/Official-Report/Committee-Minutes-of-Evidence/Session-2012-2013/December-2012/Education-Bill-Irish-medium-Sector-Briefing/ - Education Committee) that there were 4 Irish-medium post-primary schools in NI.
Irish-medium teaching is also available in units within schools where the principal medium of instruction is English.
Quotation in English: n/a
No
Comments on 4.1: English is the regular language of instruction at university level.
Yes
No answer
Comments on 4.2: In Wales such schemes are promoted by the Centre for Welsh Medium Higher Education (see http://www.hefcw.ac.uk/policy_areas/welsh_medium/centre_wm_he.aspx). Funding is available through the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (http://www.hefcw.ac.uk/home/home.aspx), under section 65 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (text available at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1992/pdf/ukpga_19920013_en.pdf).
More than 75%
More than 75%
More than 75%
More than 75%
More than 75%
More than 75%
More than 75%
More than 75%
Yes
Quotation in original language: Yes, nrmally in English. There are local regulations.
University of Birmingham (https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/as/studentservices/graduateschool/rsa/presentingyourthesis.aspx):
“Language of your thesis
Your thesis must be written in English, unless you have been granted exemption by the University’s Research Progress and Awards Sub Panel to submit in another language.”
University of East Anglia (http://www.uea.ac.uk/pgresearch/regsandforms/Section+3%3A+Theses):
Any thesis must be written in English and presented in the required form.
University of Aston (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=17&ved=0CFsQFjAGOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww1.aston.ac.uk%2FEasySiteWeb%2FGatewayLink.aspx%3FalId%3D76806&ei=JPmQUdLrKqyA0AXF94DYBQ&usg=AFQjCNGQiL6L8jIke8GGgrjPty-BXMB3cw&sig2=QbBV-FJVEP0TbC2A5FsL6Q&cad=rja):
The thesis must be written in English, except where Regulation 2.2.2 (below) applies.
2.2.2 A research student in the School of Languages and Social Sciences may submit the thesis in one of the languages taught and examined in that School providing that permission has already been granted at the time of the first annual report.
Not all universities have such a clause in their official regulations, but they are likely to operate a similar policy.
No answer
Yes
Humanities / Social sciences / Mathematics and natural sciences
No
Persentage: 100 %
Number: 5 %
Comments on 4.8: University web sites normally specify language requirements for international students. The requirements may differ from course to course within a university. See, for example, http://www.aber.ac.uk/pga/web/EngLangRequirements.htm.
Language requirements are often but not exclusively based on IELTS or TOEFL ratings.
Yes
1. Daily Jang, Urdu
2. Al-Arab, Arabic
3. Sing Tao, Chinese
These newspapers have a small but national circulation. Readership is more or less exclusively restricted to the minority groups for whom they are produced, and they are not widely known outside these groups.
Details of newspaper circulation are collected by the Audit Bureau of Circulations UK (http://www.abc.org.uk/: reports are available to members only).
Plans for a fully Welsh-language newspaper Y Byd were abandoned by the Welsh Language Board in February 2008 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y_Byd).
The Irish-medium newspaper La Nua, established in the 1980s, ceased publication in October 2008 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_nua).
Yes
Quotation in original language: BBC: “As radio services designed primarily for audiences in particular parts of the UK—”...
BBC Radio nan Gaidheal: a radio service of programming in the Gaelic language in
Scotland;…
BBC Radio Cymru: a radio service available throughout Wales with programming
in the Welsh language.”
Reference (name of the law, article number, date): BBC: Broadcasting: an agreement between Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the British Broadcasting Corporation: Cm 6872 - 3 July 2006, paragraphs 11 (4) (b) and (d)
Comments on 5.2: ‘No’ in the case of English; ‘yes’ in the case of some minority languages
The English language itself typically does not have a declared status in legislation and broadcasting contracts. Some regional and minority languages are, however, specifically mentioned in these sources.
The function and remit of the Welsh Authority and the Gaelic Media Service are laid out in the Communications Act 2003 ch. 21 (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/pdf/ukpga_20030021_en.pdf).
BBC: See Broadcasting: an agreement between Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the British Broadcasting Corporation: Cm 6872 - 3 July 2006] at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/about/how_we_govern/agreement.pdf
The Service Licence for the BBC Asian Network requires that “some programming should be provided in a range of South Asian languages.” See:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/foi/publication_scheme/classes/services/radio.shtml
Scottish Gaelic: BBC Alba (see http://www.bbc.co.uk/alba/) provides public-service Scottish Gaelic television coverage in Scotland. Since the launch of Freeview in 2011 this has been generally available throughout Scotland. For further information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Celtic-language_media.
S4C: S4C public-service television broadcasts in Welsh only since the digital switchover on 31 March 2010. For a list of Welsh-language media see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Welsh-language_media.
Since the Belfast Agreement of 1998 the Irish-medium television service TG4 (http://www.tg4.ie/) has been available in Northern Ireland. There are several all-Irish radio channels: see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Irish-language_media for further information.
Rarely/never
Rarely/never
Rarely/never
Sometimes
Rarely/never
Rarely/never
Rarely/never
Mostly/always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
No
No
Company name and status:: G4S plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Company name and status:: Tesco plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Company name and status:: Compass Group plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Company name and status:: InterContinental Hotels Group
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Company name and status:: HSBC
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
2: Chinese
Company name and status:: Unilever plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Company name and status:: WPP plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Company name and status:: Barclays plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Company name and status:: Royal Bank of Scotland Group
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Company name and status:: J Sainsbury plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Comments on 6.2: Data from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTSE_100 (relating to 31 March 2013)
Compass Group: “the Group’s Code of Business Conduct which was launched in 40 languages during 2011 and is available on the Company’s website” (Annual Report 2012)
InterContinental Hotels Group: “Reservations systems: 10 call centres; 12 languages. Web/Mobile 13 language sites six language apps” (Annual Report 2012)
The language of the companies’ annual reports is taken from their latest online reports (including commentary on the availability of the reports in languages other than English).
Company name and status:: G4S plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
2: Portuguese
3: Czech
4: Bulgarian
5: Spanish
6: Arabic
7: Hebrew
Company name and status:: Tesco plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
2: Czech
3: Hungarian
4: Polish
4: Slovakian
5: Turkish
6: Japanese
Company name and status:: Compass Group plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Company name and status:: InterContinental Hotels Group
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Company name and status:: HSBC
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
2: Chinese
Company name and status:: Unilever plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English and many more
Company name and status:: WPP plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
2: Chinese
3: Japanese
4: Korean
5: Portuguese
Company name and status:: Barclays plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Company name and status:: Royal Bank of Scotland Group
Rated use of languages:: 1: English and many more
Company name and status:: J Sainsbury plc
Rated use of languages:: 1: English
Comments on 6.3: Because of the dispersed nature of some businesses, it is becoming increasingly difficult to track all related international web sites from several of these company home pages.
In many cases the principal web-site language is English. However, some companies listed have secondary web sites in their regions of operation, and these are typically in the official language of the region.
51-100 countries
51-100 countries
Arabic: Secondary school
Chinese: Secondary school
Chinese: Secondary education: madarin
French: Secondary school
German: Secondary school
Italian: Secondary school
Japanese: Secondary school
Russian: Secondary school
Spanish: Secondary school
Added language: Urdu
Foreign language taught in primary or secondary schoo: : Secondary school
Added language: Bengali
Foreign language taught in primary or secondary schoo: : Secondary school
nb: primary education: no requirement for MFL after most recent curriculum changes
nb: secondary: not official but most taught
Note: [Primary education] There is no statutory requirement to teach a modern foreign language at Key Stages 1 and 2. The following guidelines are non-statutory and aimed at those primary schools that are teaching or planning to teach a modern foreign language. The guidelines are designed for use with pupils in Years 5 and 6. They may be adapted for use with other year groups in primary schools.
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/curriculum/primary/b00199137/mfl
From August 2008 schools have greater flexibility when deciding which languages to offer at Key Stage 3. There is no longer a statutory requirement that schools must offer one of the official languages of the European Union. Instead, there is a non-statutory explanatory note in the programme of study indicating that the study of languages may include major European and world languages such as Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish and Urdu. This list is not exclusive. Schools may teach other languages in addition to, or instead of, the languages featured in this list.
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/curriculum/secondary/b00199616/mfl/languages (UK Department for Education)
See also http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/subjects-age-groups/teach-mfl.aspx
Name (official and English translation): Welsh Language Commissioner
Language(s):: Welsh
Mission: : • promoting the use of the Welsh language
• facilitating the use of the Welsh language
• working towards ensuring that the Welsh language is treated no less favourably than the English language by imposing duties on some organizations to comply with standards relating to the Welsh language
• conducting inquiries into matters relating to the Commissioner's functions
• investigating interference with the individual’s freedom to use the Welsh language
Relation to national government:: office established by the National Assembly for Wales under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011
Activities:: • focus on the new regulatory system, including developing and setting standards, developing codes of practice and establishing a new enforcement regime, while continuing to operate the Welsh language scheme system in the meantime
• monitor the performance of bodies in accordance with the duties imposed on them
• deal with complaints from members of the public about failure to comply with standards
• advise and promote good practice among private and third sector organisations that fall outside the scope of statutory duties under the Welsh Language Measure
• provide research and a statistical basis to support the Commissioner’s five year reports on the position of the Welsh language/conduct inquiries into any matter of interest to the language
• advise the Welsh Government and others on language policy and related issues
• provide independent scrutiny of Welsh Government policies and respond to consultation documents
• develop the infrastructure to help others with their delivery of Welsh language services (e.g. in relation to terminology and translation)
• deal with applications in relation to alleged interference with the freedom of individuals to use Welsh with one another
URL:: http://www.comisiynyddygymraeg.org/english/Pages/Home.aspx
Structure:: Public
ame (official and English translation): Gaelic Language Board/Bòrd na Gàidhlig
Mission: : http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/bord/en/the-bord/index.php
• to increase the number of persons who are able to use and understand the Gaelic language;
• to encourage the use and understanding of the Gaelic language; and
• to facilitate access, in Scotland and elsewhere, to the Gaelic language and Gaelic culture
Relation to national government:: Bòrd na Gàidhlig was established as a public body by the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 which was commenced on 13th February 2006.
Activities:: http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/bord/en/our-work/education/index.php
Gaelic Education is a priority for Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Bòrd is responsible for advising the Scottish Ministers and other people on Gaelic Education. Bòrd na Gàidhlig is also tasked with formulating a National Strategy for Gaelic Education
URL:: http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/index-en.php
Structure:: Public
ame (official and English translation): Foras na Gaeilge
Language(s):: Irish
Mission: : http://www.gaeilge.ie/Foras_na_Gaeilge/About_Foras_na_Gaeilge.asp
Foras na Gaeilge is responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout the whole island of Ireland; it has a role in advising administrations, North and South, as well as public bodies and other groups in the private and voluntary sectors in all matters relating to the Irish language; it also undertakes supportive projects and grant-aiding bodies and groups throughout the island of Ireland
Relation to national government:: a North/South Implementation body be set up under the Good Friday Agreement (10 April 1998) to promote the Irish language
Activities:: • promotion of the Irish language
• facilitating and encouraging its use in speech and writing in public and private life in the South and, in the context of Part III of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, in Northern Ireland where there is appropriate demand;
• advising both administrations, public bodies and other groups in the private and voluntary sectors;
• undertaking supportive projects, and grant-aiding bodies and groups as considered necessary;
• undertaking research, promotional campaigns, and public and media relations;
• developing terminology and dictionaries;
• supporting Irish-medium education and the teaching of Irish
URL:: http://www.gaeilge.ie/Home.asp
Structure:: Public
ame (official and English translation): British Council
Language(s):: English
Mission: : to build engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people worldwide; the British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities
Activities:: building strong cultural relations with other countries, exchanging knowledge and ideas and providing educational opportunities, through projects, publications, research, talks, etc.
URL:: http://www.britishcouncil.org/
Comments:: represented on EFNIL
Structure:: Publicly founded
ame (official and English translation): Oxford English Dictionary (OED)
Language(s):: English
Mission: : to monitor and record the English language from the Old English period up to the present day, covering usage wherever English is spoken (predominantly as a first language), and to publish the results for the benefit of scholarship
Relation to national government:: independent; the OED department is a part of the Oxford University Press, itself the publishing arm of Oxford University
Activities:: researching and publishing the Oxford English Dictionary
URL:: http://www.oed.com
Comments:: represented on EFNIL
Structure:: Private