The BBC languages website (bbc.co.uk/languages) is no longer being maintained, as a notice on the site indicates. ALL contacted the BBC’s Controller of Learning, Saul Nasse, who stated that the BBC is creating a new online area to contain its educational content, and that languages for adults will not be part of this – though languages for schools will continue to exist in some form.
The BBC has made a unique and major contribution to language learning for adults for over 50 years, with radio then TV series, and later online. The production of new TV language courses was halted in 2005, but the website continued to flourish with great success and award-winning materials.
The decision to abandon languages for adults comes at a time when languages are an increasingly important life skill to access employment opportunities in the mobile and competitive European work force, as well as to enhance performance and promotion prospects within employment. It is also a time when formal learning opportunities within FE and AE structures are fast disappearing.
ALL feels that in such a context, the BBC has a key role to play within its education charter remit. The matter will be raised at our Language World conference later this week.