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Westminster leading the way in language learning

Championing language learning from within Westminster’s corridors of power can give the UK’s proud culture of multilingualism a powerful boost.

That’s the verdict of Oxford University’s Charlotte Ryland, whose pioneering work with the Queen’s College Translation Exchange (QTE) aims to reignite interest in modern foreign languages.

Charlotte has written one of 12 essays linked to The Westminster Language Challenge — an initiative backed by Duolingo that rewards MPs, peers, parliamentary staff, Vice Chancellors and university staff for learning new language skills.

And the languages expert says: “Duolingo represents something very important: evidence that the UK really is what we say it is — full of people enthused by learning languages and by engaging with other voices and cultures.

“Their data-driven approach is so helpful to our wider cause, changing the discourse around languages from doom and gloom to celebration and a sense of untapped potential.

“This is one of the things that I focus on in my essay: that rather than dwell on the doom-laden statistics of decline, we need to celebrate, learn from and scale up the success stories that do exist.

“These stories need to come from multiple sectors but in my essay I focus on those being led by universities — including our Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators

“We have evidence that the prize leads directly to an increase in the uptake of languages at schools across the UK, and it’s very important that programmes making this kind of impact — the kind we need the most in the short term — are scaled up.”

The Westminster Language Challenge returned for its second year following a hugely successful debut in 2025.

Last year, MPs and peers demonstrated how language learning can foster connection, empathy and deeper cultural understanding in government.

Twelve months down the line and the challenge was relaunched as a nationwide competition open to those working across the higher education sector.

“The opportunity to put these case studies and messages directly into the hands of parliamentarians is hugely valuable,” adds Charlotte.

“The value of a languages education has been underplayed in public discourse for too long and Duolingo is really helping to increase awareness amongst those with the power to make a difference.”

Research from Duolingo revealed a significant decline in language proficiency among UK parliamentarians over the past two decades.

But the data also showed that 74% of MPs were keen to learn another language — leading to the launch of The Westminster Challenge.

Designed to empower MPs and peers to develop the language skills that enrich diplomatic conversations, strengthen international relationships and deepen cultural appreciation, it proved to be an instant hit across both houses.

Michael Lynas, Duolingo UK and Europe Director, adds: “More than 1,300 people across Parliament and higher education learnt more than 40 languages — from Arabic to Zulu — and completed almost 250,000 lessons over 50 days.

“By doing so they shone a light on the importance of language learning for our country.”

The 2026 Challenge took place across eight weeks from January 6 with those taking part earning experience points (XP) as they studied.

This year’s top performers were crowned Duolingo’s Westminster Language Champions and included Alex Mayer MP and Vanessa Lemm, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, University of Greenwich.

Winners shared a £26,000 prize fund with money directed to MPs’ chosen charities and modern languages/study abroad departments.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Rushworth .