Should second-language learning be compulsory?
Second-language learning should be compulsory, says a new report from a forum bringing together academics, educators and policy-makers.
Learning a second language should be compulsory for ākonga in Years 7 to 10 in Aotearoa New Zealand, says a new report.
This policy would bring us in-line with many other OECD countries who have compulsory language learning such as Australia, Britain, the United States, Canada, Singapore and South Africa.
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Titled Language Learning for New Zealand’s Future, the report recommends that three to four hours per week of a second language become a core requirement for students. The recommendations come following a forum hosted by the University of Auckland earlier this year in collaboration with the New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust and the New Zealand Association of Language Teachers. More than 100 educators, language experts, business leaders, government officials and youth voices gathered to address a long-term decline in second-language learning.
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The absence of a formal mandate in the curriculum, and the fact that foreign languages don’t count towards literacy requirements for UE means fewer students are learning languages.
“New Zealanders are missing out on the cognitive, cultural and economic advantages that come with learning a second language that cannot simply be replaced by AI and auto-translation,” reads the report.
The report states that advantages of second language learning include better memory, problem-solving and literacy; intercultural competence and global participation.
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It also recommends that pathways become differentiated to reflect our diverse learner bases, including heritage speakers, native speakers and true second language learners; increasing teacher supply and professional development; establishing a comprehensive languages policy; strengthening distance learning models; and using AI as a key digital tool.
Juliet Kennedy, President of the New Zealand Association of Language Teachers, says “Languages is the only one of eight learning areas in the curriculum that are not a core requirement. This education policy gap is costing New Zealand academically, culturally and economically.
“Language learning makes students smarter — boosting literacy, problem solving and academic performance across the board. It fosters cultural identity and belonging, and it strengthens New Zealand’s ability to succeed in global trade, diplomacy and business. We cannot afford to fall further behind.”
Dr Erik Lithander, deputy-vice chancellor of strategic engagement at the University of Auckland adds that “Language is a way to connect local communities to global opportunities. We need to restart national conversations about language policy and push for dedicated curriculum space.”
In 2018, Nikki Kaye, former National education spokesperson introduced a bill to make second language learning compulsory for primary and intermediate school students. The bill would have required schools to teach one of ten undecided “priority” languages, with Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language likely to have been included. Despite bipartisan support from Labour, ACT and Greens, the bill was recommended not to progress in 2021 by Labour members on the education and workforce select committee, and it seemed to have been deprioritised by National in 2023.
