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The Reith Lectures

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Significant international thinkers deliver the BBC's flagship annual lecture series.

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The Reith Lectures: Robert Birley - Britain in Europe: Reflections on the Development of a European Society: Problem of a Common Language

1949: Robert Birley - Britain in Europe: Reflections on the Development of a European Society

07/11/1949

Problem of a Common Language

Robert Birley - Britain in Europe: Reflections on the Development of a European Society

BBC Radio 4 - The Reith Lectures, Robert Birley - Britain in Europe: Reflections on the Development of a European Society, Problem of a Common Language

Robert Birley considers how greater involvement in Europe may affect education in Britain.

Robert Birley examines how greater involvement in Europe might affect education in Britain, and argues for more emphasis on foreign languages, in his third Reith lecture.

This year's Reith Lecturer is the government educational advisor and headmaster of Eton College Robert Birley. In his Reith series entitled 'Britain in Europe', he considers the history and future impact of Britain's increasing involvement with Europe. 

In his third lecture, entitled 'Problem of a Common Language', Robert Birley examines how greater involvement in Europe might affect education in Britain, and argues for more emphasis on the study of foreign languages.  He suggests it is absurd to think that Britain will be able to contribute to the cultural unity of Europe without taking the trouble to learn foreign languages.

The Reith Lectures: Robert Birley - Britain in Europe: Reflections on the Development of a European Society

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Robert Birley considers the history and future of Britain's involvement with Europe.

Educational advisor and headmaster of Eton College Robert Birley considers the history and future impact of Britain's increasing involvement with Europe.

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Robert Birley - Britain in Europe: Reflections on the Development of a European Society

Problem of a Common Language

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