English lies at the heart of globalisation and has the power to redefine national and individual identities worldwide. The emergence of several world languages, however, may give rise to a new multilingual orthodoxy in which the next generation will become fluent in different foreign languages. This can lead to a major change in ideas of national identity, affecting cultural and political relationships across the world.

The ability to communicate across linguistic and cultural boundaries requires a sustained, lifelong effort and language education policies require commitment and consistency as well as appropriate resources. Economic realities, however, may well dictate who will receive these opportunities and which countries can best use the diversification of language skills to aid intercultural understanding and international co-operation.

The speakers will look at the advantages and also the risks of foreign language education in an increasingly interactive world and will consider the implications for the relationship of language and identity.