That the Parliament notes the concern expressed at proposals by the University of Aberdeen to reduce its language provision; understands the challenges that the languages department faces, including running a projected deficit of £1.6 million in 2023-24, and that the student intake has reportedly fallen dramatically following the UK’s exit from the EU; believes that languages offer significant value to individuals, to communities across Scotland, and to building relationships across the globe; recognises what it sees as the widespread support for retaining language teaching at the University of Aberdeen, including, it understands, from students, staff, alumni, Gaelic organisations and the consulates of several nations, and notes the calls for the University of Aberdeen to explore every possible option to retain language learning, including an expanded language offering for all interested students and degree courses.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Alasdair Allan, Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, Maggie Chapman, Foysol Choudhury, Katy Clark, Bob Doris, James Dornan, Jackie Dunbar, Annabelle Ewing, Jim Fairlie, Kate Forbes, Kenneth Gibson, Emma Harper, Clare Haughey, Bill Kidd, Rona Mackay, Ben Macpherson, Ruth Maguire, Ivan McKee, Stuart McMillan, Marie McNair, Audrey Nicoll, Alex Rowley, Collette Stevenson, Kaukab Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Michelle Thomson, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Mercedes Villalba